Freelance Structural Packaging Design Jobs in California

About Samyang America

Samyang America stands as the #1 Gen Z brand, boldly shaping the future of food culture with innovative flavors, viral trends, and unforgettable brand experiences. We don’t just create food - we craft moments that spark excitement, inspire connection, and celebrate bold individuality.

Our mission is to bring daring, delicious products to the market that resonate deeply with the next generation of food lovers. From iconic spicy noodles to creative new launches, we are driven by passion, creativity, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste and culture.

At Samyang America, you’ll join a dynamic team that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for bold flavor experiences. We value fresh ideas, energetic spirit, and the courage to lead trends rather than follow them.

If you’re ready to be part of a brand that’s more than just food - a brand that moves culture and creates unforgettable moments - join our team today!

Position Summary:

The Sr. Director, Packaging Engineer is responsible for leading the strategic vision, development, and execution of packaging design for Samyang America’s growing portfolio of brands. This executive role is responsible for developing packaging that strengthens brand equity, enhances the consumer experience, supports commercial growth, and reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and global brand consistency.

Working closely with Samyang headquarters in Korea and cross-functional teams in the U.S., the Sr. Director ensures packaging solutions are consumer-centric, retail-ready, operationally feasible, and compliant with U.S. regulatory requirements. The role oversees both graphic and structural packaging design while driving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across the packaging development process.

Key Responsibilities:

Packaging Strategy & Brand Leadership

• Develop and execute the packaging design strategy supporting Samyang America’s business objectives and long-term growth.

• Ensure packaging reinforces brand identity while adapting global brand standards to meet U.S. consumer and retailer expectations.

• Lead the creative direction for new product launches, product renovations, and packaging refreshes.

• Establish design standards, governance, and best practices across the packaging portfolio.

• Build a culture of innovation that elevates Samyang’s brands within the competitive U.S. food market.

Packaging Design & Innovation

• Direct the development of high-impact graphic and structural packaging from concept through commercialization.

• Lead consumer-focused packaging innovation that improves shelf visibility, functionality, and overall user experience.

• Identify emerging design trends, materials, technologies, and packaging formats that support business growth.

• Evaluate packaging concepts using consumer insights, competitive benchmarking, and market trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Marketing, Innovation, R&D, TQR, Procurement, SCM, and Sales teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Balance creative objectives with manufacturing capabilities, cost targets, regulatory compliance, and supply chain efficiencies.

Commercialization & Project Leadership

• Oversee packaging development from concept approval through production and market launch.

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to support successful commercialization.

• Improve packaging development processes to increase speed-to-market and cross-functional efficiency.

Agency & Vendor Management

• Establish performance expectations and ensure external partners consistently deliver high-quality work.

• Evaluate new supplier capabilities and emerging packaging technologies.a

Requirements:

• BA in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Visual Communications, Packaging Engineering, or a related field required. MA or MBA preferred.

• 12+ years of progressive experience in packaging design or packaging innovation

• Experience within food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related consumer brands required.

• Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in packaging design, branding, typography, color systems, and visual storytelling.

• Strong understanding of packaging materials, printing technologies, structural packaging, and production processes.

• Knowledge of FDA labeling requirements and food packaging regulations.

• Understanding of consumer behavior and retail merchandising principles.

• Ability to translate brand strategy into compelling consumer packaging.

The base salary for this position is between $177,000.00 and $200,000.00 per year. Actual compensation will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation and benefits, including an annual incentive bonus, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, PTO/FTO, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Samyang America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.