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Food Packaging Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Packaging Production Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$37.53 - $41.70/hr

Experience designing both 2D and 3D packaging. * Working knowledge of Rhino or SolidWorks to create ... Experience within the beauty, cosmetics, luxury, CPG, food & beverage, toy, or consumer products ...

SAMYANG AMERICA INC

Sr. Graphic Designer

Brea, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

We don't just create food - we craft moments that spark excitement, inspire connection, and ... Maintain a keen eye for detail, ensuring that all packaging designs meet quality standards and are ...

Plz Aeroscience

Packaging Engineer

Riverside, CA

$110K/yr

From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ ... The Packaging Engineer designs, tests, and implements packaging designs that emphasize ...

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$84 - $109/hr

This role also works to improve designs and efficiency on existing items both structurally and in ... and food safety on all product lines.Act as the main point of contact and spokesperson for ...

New

Lindt

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$84 - $109/hr

This role also works to improve designs and efficiency on existing items both structurally and in ... and food safety on all product lines.* Act as the main point of contact and spokesperson for ...

New

Lindt and Sprungli

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

This role also works to improve designs and efficiency on existing items both structurally and in ... and food safety on all product lines. * Act as the main point of contact and spokesperson for ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA

$83K - $108K/yr

This role also works to improve designs and efficiency on existing items both structurally and in ... and food safety on all product lines. * Act as the main point of contact and spokesperson for ...

CRB

Mechanical Designer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,200 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

California Dairies, Inc.

Powder Packaging Operator

Turlock, CA · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your ... Responsible for cleaning the carousel stainless and food surfaces. * Responsible for cleaning ante ...

CRB

Mechanical Designer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,200 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

Jobtailor

Senior Packaging Engineer

Visalia, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... of all designs into the design process * Develop and maintain activity schedule for packaging ... preferably food or beverage, within an end-user or vendor * Advanced knowledge of packaging ...

New

CRB

Mechanical Designer II

San Diego, CA

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,200 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Packaging Designer JobsFood Packaging Designer Jobs in California

Food Packaging Designer information

See California salary details

$36K

$67.8K

$93.3K

How much do food packaging designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for food packaging designer in California is $67,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food packaging designer do?

A Food Packaging Designer is responsible for creating the visual and structural design of packaging for food products. Their work involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory requirements to ensure the packaging is attractive, safe, and preserves the product's quality. They collaborate with marketing teams, manufacturers, and regulatory experts to develop packaging that appeals to consumers while protecting the food during transportation and storage. Additionally, they consider sustainability and cost-effectiveness in their designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food packaging designer?

To thrive as a Food Packaging Designer, you need expertise in graphic design, knowledge of packaging materials, and a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of packaging regulations and printing processes are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help designers create appealing and functional packaging solutions. These skills ensure that products are visually attractive, compliant with safety standards, and effectively communicate brand identity to consumers.

How does a food packaging designer typically collaborate with marketing and production teams during a project?

Food Packaging Designers work closely with marketing teams to ensure packaging aligns with brand messaging and appeals to target consumers. They also partner with production teams to understand manufacturing limitations, materials, and cost constraints, making sure their designs are both attractive and feasible for mass production. Effective communication and regular meetings are essential to balance creative vision with practical considerations, ensuring the final packaging meets aesthetic, functional, and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Food Packaging Designer vs Food Packaging Engineer?

AspectFood Packaging DesignerFood Packaging Engineer
CredentialsDesign degrees, certifications in graphic or industrial designEngineering degrees, certifications in packaging or mechanical engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, marketing departments, product development teamsManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, technical departments
Industry UsageFocuses on visual appeal, branding, and user experienceFocuses on structural integrity, safety, and compliance

Food Packaging Designers primarily focus on the visual and aesthetic aspects of packaging, ensuring it appeals to consumers and aligns with branding. Food Packaging Engineers concentrate on the structural, safety, and functional aspects, ensuring packaging protects the product and meets industry standards. Both roles are essential in the packaging process but serve different purposes within the industry.

How do you become a food packaging designer?

To become a food packaging designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Developing skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, understanding packaging materials, and gaining experience through internships or portfolios are important steps in entering this profession.

Is food packaging design in demand?

Food packaging design is in demand due to the growing focus on branding, sustainability, and product safety in the food industry. Designers with skills in graphic design, knowledge of materials, and familiarity with industry regulations are sought after to create innovative and compliant packaging solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Food Packaging Designer jobs in California?

For Food Packaging Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Packaging Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Packaging Designer jobs in California are:

Food Packaging Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Packaging Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,838 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Packaging Production Designer

Aquent

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

$37.53 - $41.70/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$37.53-41.70 Hourly
up to $41.70/hr
Start Date:
Jun 1, 2026
Aquent, a leading talent solutions partner, is thrilled to connect you with an exceptional opportunity at a renowned global leader in the beauty industry. This innovative company is at the forefront of creating captivating consumer experiences, driven by a passion for excellence and groundbreaking design. They are seeking visionary talent to join their dynamic creative team and make a tangible impact on the future of their beloved products.
Are you ready to blend your artistic flair with technical precision to shape the future of product presentation? In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bringing innovative products to life, from initial concept to final production. This is an exciting chance to contribute your expertise to a brand that touches millions, transforming ideas into stunning, market-ready packaging that captivates consumers worldwide. Your work will directly influence product appeal and brand identity, playing a crucial role in the company's continued success and offering excellent long-term potential, with previous consultants successfully converting to full-time employees.
What You'll Do
  • Design and develop innovative packaging concepts from initial ideation through final production.
  • Create production-ready artwork for both primary and secondary packaging while adhering to brand standards.
  • Develop accurate dielines, mechanicals, and packaging specifications for manufacturing.
  • Produce high-quality 2D and 3D packaging renderings for internal presentations and stakeholder reviews.
  • Collaborate closely with Marketing, Product Development, Creative, and cross-functional partners to ensure packaging solutions meet both creative and technical requirements.
  • Partner with vendors and production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and production-ready.
  • Manage multiple packaging projects simultaneously while meeting aggressive timelines.
  • Organize and maintain packaging assets, artwork files, templates, fonts, and production documentation.
  • Research packaging trends, materials, and competitive products to bring innovative ideas to the team.

Must-Have Qualifications
  • 5+ years of packaging design experience.
  • 60% technical packaging production experience creating production-ready artwork, dielines, mechanicals, and packaging files.
  • 40% experience creating high-quality 3D packaging renderings and visualizations.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating both conceptual packaging design and technical production work.
  • Experience designing both 2D and 3D packaging.
  • Working knowledge of Rhino or SolidWorks to create or manipulate 3D packaging models and renderings.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
  • Experience using Figma.
  • Ability to work within established brand guidelines while delivering creative solutions.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
  • Proficiency with Mac operating systems and basic Mac/PC troubleshooting.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications
  • Experience within the beauty, cosmetics, luxury, CPG, food & beverage, toy, or consumer products industries.
  • Knowledge of packaging regulations, ingredient labeling, or consumer product packaging.
  • Experience conducting market research and competitive analysis.
  • Familiarity with PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and project management tools.
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art School background, or equivalent professional experience (portfolio is valued more heavily than formal education).

The initial engagement is a 6-month contract, beginning with a 2-week technical trial, with the opportunity to extend in 6-month increments for up to two years.
About Aquent Talent
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
Client Description
Global beauty company specializing in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Operates with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and diversity, offering workers opportunities to work with leading brands, cutting-edge research, and a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The company values creativity, entrepreneurship, and professional growth, making it an exciting place for those passionate about beauty, marketing, science, and digital transformation.

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