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Contract Packaging Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft

Packaging Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$70 - $96.30/hr

Foster City, CA - Hybrid Contract Duration: 12 Months Pay Range: $70.00 - $96.30 USD hourly on W2 ... engineering, package engineering, or a related scientific field. Advanced degree(s) with ...

Gilead

Packaging Engineer II

Foster City, CA

Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external contract packaging organizations and packaging component suppliers. Technology Transfer & Validation * Collaborate with Technical ...

Gilead

Packaging Engineer III

Foster City, CA

The Packaging Engineer III is a midlevel individual contributor within the Package Development ... Collaborate crossfunctionally with internal teams, CMOs, suppliers, and contract test laboratories ...

Exelixis

Packaging Engineer I

Alameda, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $106K/yr

The Packaging Engineer I is responsible for providing technical oversight of pharmaceutical packaging operations at Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). The qualified candidate will have ...

Exelixis

Packaging Engineer I

Alameda, CA · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

The Packaging Engineer I is responsible for providing technical oversight of pharmaceutical packaging operations at Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). The qualified candidate will have ...

Exelixis

Packaging Engineer I

Alameda, CA · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

The Packaging Engineer I is responsible for providing technical oversight of pharmaceutical packaging operations at Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). The qualified candidate will have ...

Qualcomm

Principal IC Packaging Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Packaging Engineering General Summary: We are seeking a ... Familiarity with working alongside contract manufacturers (CM) on data center and rack design is ...

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All JobsContract Packaging Engineer JobsContract Packaging Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Packaging Engineer information

See California salary details

$19

$41

$66

How much do contract packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract packaging engineer in California is $41.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $48.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Packaging Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract Packaging Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse client requirements, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring cost-effective packaging solutions while maintaining quality and compliance. To address these, engineers need strong project management skills, effective communication with both clients and internal teams, and a solid understanding of regulatory standards. Proactively staying updated on packaging technologies and regularly collaborating with cross-functional teams can also help streamline processes and ensure successful project delivery.

What does a Contract Packaging Engineer do?

A Contract Packaging Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and managing packaging solutions for products, often working for third-party companies that handle packaging for clients. They ensure that packaging meets safety, regulatory, and branding requirements while optimizing for cost and efficiency. Their role may involve selecting appropriate materials, testing package durability, and coordinating with manufacturers and logistics teams. These engineers also help streamline the packing process to improve productivity and reduce waste, making them essential for companies looking to outsource their packaging needs.

What is the difference between Contract Packaging Engineer vs Packaging Technician?

AspectContract Packaging EngineerPackaging Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, packaging, or related field; certifications like PMP or Six Sigma beneficialHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, plan, and oversee packaging projects; collaborate with manufacturing and quality teamsOperate packaging machinery; perform packaging tasks on production lines
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical industries for project managementCommonly found in production facilities handling daily packaging operations

The Contract Packaging Engineer focuses on designing and managing packaging projects, requiring engineering knowledge and project management skills. In contrast, the Packaging Technician handles the hands-on operation of packaging equipment, ensuring daily production runs smoothly. Both roles are essential in the packaging process but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Packaging Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Packaging Engineer, you need a strong background in packaging design, materials science, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or packaging science. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet client specifications and industry standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Packaging Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Packaging Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Packaging Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Packaging Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Packaging Engineer job openings:
Contract Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Packaging Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,966 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Contract Packaging Engineer

Contract Packaging Engineer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA

$40 - $46/hr

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in bringing our games to life by developing structural packaging solutions from initial component review through production-ready files. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating and refining dielines, recommending box sizing and packout solutions, and ensuring every package is functional, durable, cost-effective, and ready for manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has experience designing packaging for consumer products, toys, games, or similar products, along with a strong understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and structural design. We're looking for someone who enjoys solving complex packaging challenges, has an exceptional eye for detail, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You'll partner closely with our Art, Project Management, and Production teams while supporting multiple products at various stages of development.

If you're someone who loves figuring out how everything fits together, gets excited about creating packaging that's both beautiful and functional, and enjoys finding smart, efficient solutions without compromising the customer experience, you'll fit right in.

This is a part-time, temporary contract position for the role of Packaging Engineer, requiring approximately 15-20 hours per week. The contract is anticipated to run for approximately three months, with the possibility of extension based on business needs. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Execute packaging engineering and custom die line creation for new games, including boxes, inserts, trays, instructions, packout, and other packaging components.

  • Review the Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other supporting documentation to understand game contents in order to provide appropriate sizing for the game box and all internal components based on component count, product goals, shelf considerations, cost targets, and customer experience.

  • Recommend insert tray structures and packout solutions that organize and protect components while supporting ease of setup, intuitive unboxing and repacking, cost efficiency, and production feasibility.

  • Work cross-functionally with Art, PMO, and Production to ensure packaging supports product goals, creative direction, player experience, manufacturing requirements, and quality standards.

  • Review factory adjusted die lines and provide clear feedback on structural changes, including whether to move forward with vendor recommendations. Identify and resolve structural, material, sizing, packout, or production issues before files move into final production.

  • Identify opportunities for cost savings, material efficiency, production efficiency, and structural improvements without compromising quality, durability, or customer experience. 

  • Maintain clean, organized files with properly marked layers, specification, and naming conventions according to company standards.

WHAT WE NEED

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Structural Packaging Design, Product Design, or a related field preferred.

  • Strong proficiency in Illustrator and InDesign. Experience in CAD or 3D modeling software is a plus.

  • Experience in toy, game, consumer product, or retail packaging experience preferred.

  • Strong understanding of packaging manufacturing processes, materials, construction methods, dielines, and production requirements.

  • Ability to review BOMs and component lists, understand product packout needs, and recommend appropriate box sizes, insert structures, instruction formats, and packaging component dimensions.

  • Excellent organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple SKUs and deadlines simultaneously.

  • Clear visual, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to present structural recommendations, risks, tradeoffs, problems, and solutions to different audiences.

  • Comfort working under tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.

$40 - $46 an hour
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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