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Food Packaging Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. 3+ years of ... Familiarity with regulatory and quality standards for dietary supplement or food packaging ...

Food Scientist

Germantown, WI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Food Scientist Salary Range : 85K - 100K Reports To: Sr. Food Scientist Why join our team ... Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match * Generous PTO & holidays * Growth ...

Food Scientist

Germantown, WI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Food Scientist Salary Range : 85K - 100K Reports To: Sr. Food Scientist Why join our team ... Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match * Generous PTO & holidays * Growth ...

A background in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field is preferred, along with 4-10 years of food/beverage packaging experience.

WI · On-site

... Science, Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 5+ years of packaging engineering experience within the food ...

WI · On-site

S) in Engineering, Quality, Packaging Science / Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science or Food Science. Minimum 3-5 years' experience in regulatory compliance for packaging ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Packaging Scientist information

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$37K

$91K

$160K

How much do food packaging scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for food packaging scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food packaging scientist do?

A Food Packaging Scientist is responsible for developing, testing, and improving packaging materials and designs for food products. Their work ensures that packaging keeps food safe, fresh, and appealing throughout its shelf life. They also evaluate the environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with food safety regulations. These professionals often collaborate with engineers, food scientists, and marketing teams to create innovative packaging solutions.

What are some typical challenges a food packaging scientist faces when developing new packaging solutions?

Food Packaging Scientists often encounter challenges balancing product safety, shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. They must ensure packaging materials comply with food safety regulations, prevent contamination, and maintain product freshness. Additionally, keeping up with consumer demand for environmentally friendly options while maintaining performance standards requires innovative thinking and collaboration with suppliers, production teams, and regulatory experts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food packaging scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Packaging Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or materials science, often with a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with packaging design software, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory standards like FDA or EU packaging regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovation and project management. These competencies ensure the development of safe, sustainable, and effective packaging solutions that protect food quality and meet compliance standards.

What are popular job titles related to Food Packaging Scientist jobs?

For Food Packaging Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development, Pet

Columbus, OH • On-site

J.M. Smucker Company
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


J.M. Smucker rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development, Pet

Shape the future of pet food packaging at Smucker! In this hands-on innovation role, you'll develop and launch new packaging solutions that protect product quality, enhance sustainability, and deliver a better consumer experience. Working cross-functionally with suppliers and manufacturing teams, you'll lead package development from concept and testing through commercialization while driving continuous improvement and sustainable packaging initiatives. If you're passionate about packaging technology, problem-solving, and bringing new ideas to life, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on iconic pet brands. 🐾

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% or more in office presence as business need requires. Travel up to 30% annually.

In this role you will:

  • Collaborate boldly with Product R&D, Creative Services, Brand Management, Purchasing, and Suppliers to bring new packaging concepts to life-starting from the earliest design stages.

  • Design and develop innovative packaging solutions using materials like film/laminate, thermoforming, injection molding, paperboard, and corrugated formats-driven by consumer needs and business goals.

  • Lead testing and validation of packaging performance across production, distribution, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer usability-with growing independence.

  • Execute qualifications and trials with suppliers and production facilities, ensuring seamless integration into our manufacturing processes.

  • Drive plant trials with precision-planning, executing, analyzing, and summarizing results in partnership with manufacturing and technical teams.

  • Craft performance-based specifications and manage them within our electronic database system.

  • Advise and recommend top-tier suppliers and service providers to support successful product launches.

  • Champion innovation by proposing new packaging technologies, sustainability solutions, cost-saving ideas, and creative problem-solving approaches.

  • Support technical troubleshooting across the packaging supply chain and production environments.

  • Learn to assess legal and environmental aspects, and patent opportunities for new packaging

  • Build strong relationships with strategic packaging suppliers to stay ahead of trends and capabilities.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or related technical degree

  • 2+ years of experience in packaging development or packaging engineering

  • Knowledge ofpackaging materials, technologies, andapplications

  • Understanding ofbasic package attributes andqualification test procedures

  • Experience collaborating acrossmulti-functionaland discipline boundaries in a dynamic project environment

  • Experience conducting plant and lab trials

  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

  • Willingness to travel up to 30% based on project needs and launch schedules

Additional skills and experiences that we think would make someone successful in this role:

  • Experience in the food or beverage industry

  • Familiaritywith packing line machinery and equipment (ex: flexible pouch, bagging, rigidcontainerfillingand sealing, case packing etc.)

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TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.


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