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Contract Packaging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Spin Master

Packaging Designer [Contract]

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

... for package design through production on 2 to 3 core Licensed brands 70% of the time and works on other brands and / or new brand concepts 30% of the time. This is a contract position with ...

SAIC

Contracts Support Specialist

El Segundo, CA · Remote

$120K - $160K/yr

Lead preparation of complete contract packages including requirements validation, funding documentation coordination, and acquisition strategy alignment. * Develop, coordinate, and maintain pre award ...

SAIC

Contracts Support Specialist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Lead preparation of complete contract packages including requirements validation, funding documentation coordination, and acquisition strategy alignment. * Develop, coordinate, and maintain pre award ...

Amazon

Packaging TPM, Packaging Experience

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

... Contract Manufacturers and Packaging Suppliers. Key job responsibilities - Lead NPI packaging development schedules, including structural development, testing, and pack-out builds - Leverage AI tools ...

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Contract Packaging information

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How much do contract packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract packaging in California is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract packaging?

Contract packaging, also known as co-packing, is a service provided by companies that specialize in assembling, packaging, and preparing products for distribution on behalf of manufacturers or other businesses. These companies handle tasks like labeling, bundling, shrink-wrapping, and palletizing products, allowing businesses to focus on core operations like production and marketing. Contract packaging is often used to save time, reduce costs, and ensure that products meet retail or regulatory packaging standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in contract packaging, and why are they important?

To thrive in Contract Packaging, you need a solid understanding of packaging processes, quality control standards, and basic manufacturing safety, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with packaging machinery, automated assembly lines, and inventory management systems is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are essential soft skills for ensuring efficient and accurate operations. These abilities are crucial to maintaining product quality, meeting client specifications, and optimizing workflow in a competitive contract packaging environment.

What are some common challenges faced in a contract packaging role, and how can they be addressed?

In a Contract Packaging role, professionals often encounter challenges such as strict deadlines, managing varying client specifications, and ensuring quality control across diverse product types. Adapting quickly to new packaging requirements and maintaining communication with both internal teams and clients is crucial. Staying organized, being detail-oriented, and leveraging collaboration tools can help overcome these challenges, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and to the required standards.

What is the difference between Contract Packaging vs Packaging Technician?

AspectContract PackagingPackaging Technician
CredentialsMay require basic certifications or training in packaging processesTypically requires technical training or certification in packaging equipment
Work EnvironmentOften involves working with multiple clients, flexible locations, and project-based tasksUsually based in a manufacturing or production facility, focused on specific packaging lines
Industry UsageCommon in contract manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain sectorsFound in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and production lines
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare Contract Packaging with Packaging Technician to understand roles, skills, and employment options

Contract Packaging involves managing packaging projects for multiple clients, often in a flexible, project-based environment. Packaging Technicians focus on operating and maintaining packaging equipment within a manufacturing setting. While both roles require knowledge of packaging processes, Contract Packaging emphasizes project management and client coordination, whereas Packaging Technicians concentrate on technical execution and equipment operation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging jobs in California? The most popular types of Packaging jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Packaging jobs in California? For Contract Packaging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Packaging jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Packaging jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Packaging jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Packaging job openings:
Contract Packaging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Packaging job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,797 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Contract Packaging Engineer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA

$40 - $46/hr

Contractor

Posted 29 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.

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.