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Freelance Structural Packaging Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ferrero

Primary Packaging Design Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

... structural packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processes. • Working knowledge of food-contact packaging regulations and testing methodologies (e.g., FDA, EFSA); familiarity with EU or ...

Ferrero

Primary Packaging Design Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

... structural packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processes. • Working knowledge of food‑contact packaging regulations and testing methodologies (e.g., FDA, EFSA); familiarity with EU or ...

Allied Printing

Structural Designer

Manchester, CT · On-site

Design structural packaging, POP displays, folding cartons, and specialty print solutions from concept to production. * Create production-ready CAD files, dielines, folding patterns, and assembly ...

Anduril Industries

Packaging Engineer, Sentry

Irvine, CA · On-site

... structural packaging solutions that protect products, enhance the Anduril brand experience, and meet cost, quality, and sustainability targets. * Own packaging design execution, validation, supplier ...

transpak

Packaging Design Engineer I

San Jose, CA

$159K/yr

Packaging Design Engineer I is primarily responsible for developing custom packaging designs and ... Minimum 2-3 years of experience in mechanical/structural design and development. * Proficiency in ...

transpak

Packaging Design Engineer I

San Jose, CA

$159K/yr

Packaging Design Engineer I is primarily responsible for developing custom packaging designs and ... Minimum 2-3 years of experience in mechanical/structural design and development. * Proficiency in ...

Apple

Packaging Product Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$150K - $277K/yr

The Packaging PD team is a diverse group of people responsible for the design and execution of structural packaging for all Apple products - from shippers to finished goods boxes. Our packaging ...

TransPak

Packaging Design Engineer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$72K/yr

Packaging Design Engineer I is primarily responsible for developing custom packaging designs and ... Minimum 2-3 years of experience in mechanical/structural design and development. * Proficiency in ...

Apple

Packaging Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

The Packaging PD team is a diverse group of people responsible for the design and execution of structural packaging for all Apple products - from shippers to finished goods boxes. Our packaging ...

Nutrabolt

Sr. Packaging Designer

Austin, TX

Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, structural packaging, and visual design excellence * Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and packaging-specific ...

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Freelance Structural Packaging Design information

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How much do freelance structural packaging design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance structural packaging design in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges freelance structural packaging designers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance structural packaging designers often encounter challenges such as communicating complex design concepts and ensuring that their creative vision aligns with the client’s brand and manufacturing constraints. Working remotely also means relying heavily on digital prototypes, which can make it harder to evaluate the tactile aspects of packaging until physical samples are produced. Additionally, coordinating with multiple stakeholders—such as brand managers, printers, and manufacturers—requires strong project management and clear documentation to avoid miscommunication and delays.

What is the difference between Freelance Structural Packaging Design vs Freelance Graphic Packaging Design?

AspectFreelance Structural Packaging DesignFreelance Graphic Packaging Design
CredentialsKnowledge of packaging materials, structural engineering, CAD toolsSkills in graphic design, branding, Adobe Creative Suite
Work EnvironmentDesigning physical packaging structures, prototypesCreating visual graphics, labels, and branding elements
Industry UsageManufacturers, packaging companies, product brandsBranding agencies, product companies, marketing firms
Search & Comparison IntentDesigning physical packaging structuresCreating visual graphics for packaging

Freelance Structural Packaging Design focuses on creating the physical form and structure of packaging, requiring engineering and material knowledge. In contrast, Freelance Graphic Packaging Design emphasizes visual aesthetics and branding elements. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but serve different purposes in the product presentation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Structural Packaging Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Structural Packaging Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or packaging design, materials knowledge, and proficiency in 3D modeling and prototyping. Familiarity with CAD software (such as ArtiosCAD or SolidWorks), dieline creation, and an understanding of printing processes are typically required. Creative problem-solving, effective communication, and time management are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and managing multiple projects. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, functional packaging solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.

What is freelance structural packaging design?

Freelance structural packaging design involves creating the physical shape, structure, and functionality of packaging for products, working independently rather than as a full-time employee. Designers in this field focus on developing innovative, practical, and attractive packaging solutions that protect products, enhance branding, and improve the customer experience. Freelancers may work with various materials such as cardboard, plastics, or eco-friendly options, and collaborate with brands, manufacturers, and printers to bring packaging concepts to life. Their work often combines engineering, graphic design, and marketing knowledge to meet client needs.
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Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Structural Packaging Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 21% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Senior Industrial Designer - Structural Packaging

Senior Industrial Designer - Structural Packaging

PepsiCo

Plano, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 864 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview
Who We Are
At PepsiCo design, we have a saying: "We're crazy enough to think we can inspire the future." This is what drives us, in everything we imagine, develop and execute. Our goal is clear: to connect PepsiCo's beverage, snacks and food portfolios, with consumers hungry for meaningful, sustainable, authentic and relevant experiences across multiple touch points and regions of the world. Why Design Innovation? Our mission is to drive the sustainability & innovation agendas for PepsiCo's Global brands and businesses to help it grow and transform beyond its core. We drive innovation by researching, strategizing, defining, prototyping, learning, and launching strategically aligned and commercially viable new products, services, business models, retail experiences, brands and systems. We challenge and seek to change how PepsiCo works to drive true business innovation with more sustainability and purpose. We are a creatively driven team that leverages the power of four lenses (desirability, feasibility, viability, sustainability) led Design Thinking to solve strategic problems to designing new eating experiences, their packaging and delivery systems. We leverage tools from product design, design research, system thinking, strategic foresight, business model design, and circular economy; to solve problems, for people and the planet, in the real world. We innovate to incite positive change - for people, brands, business and the world around us. We know what it takes to make ideas a reality and bring that into everything we do.
You Get To
As Senior Designer, Structural Packaging, you will report to a senior design leader. You will also partner closely with Brand Design, R&D, Packaging Engineering, Insights, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and external agency / supplier partners to develop and deliver structural packaging solutions across PepsiCo's foods portfolio.
This role is responsible for contributing to the design and development of structural packaging programs from early concept through commercialization support. You will help translate consumer, brand, business, technical, and sustainability needs into relevant packaging concepts and refined design recommendations.
You will work on a range of assignments that may include innovation platforms, packaging restage efforts, productivity-driven redesigns, sustainability-focused initiatives, and experience improvements across primary and secondary packaging systems.
You will participate in research and learning activities, synthesize inputs from cross-functional partners, generate packaging concepts, new experiences and prototypes, and support the evaluation of options against desirability, feasibility, viability, and sustainability.
You Are
  • Self-starting with an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Fluent in product design, in prototyping techniques, on emerging design trends, in sustainability and with lifestyle trends.
  • Able to quickly delivering high levels out quality designs on multiple projects.
  • Curious, optimistic, and always looking to improve.
  • Adept at managing ambiguity and energized by complexity.
  • A creative, systems-minded thinker who can translate insights into tangible packaging solutions.
  • Empathetic to consumers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Comfortable working across multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Good at storytelling, visually and verbally.
  • Passionate about design quality, sustainability, and bringing ideas to life.

What Success Looks Like
  • Deliver impactful structural packaging experiences rooted in consumer, brand, and business insight.
  • Partner cross-functionally to drive alignment from concept through commercialization.
  • Communicate design intent clearly through visuals, CAD, prototypes, and storytelling.
  • Integrate systems thinking across desirability, feasibility, viability, and sustainability.
  • Own workstreams with rigor, navigating ambiguity while meeting quality and timelines.

Responsibilities
Core Accountabilities
  • Develop structural packaging concepts, exploratory directions, and design proposals that visualize the desired experience and support business objectives.
  • Translate consumer, customer, and brand needs into actionable structural packaging opportunities and design criteria.
  • Create sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, CAD models, renderings, and presentation materials to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to refine design recommendations and support decision making through the development process.
  • Support packaging programs from concept development through feasibility alignment, design refinement, and handoff to execution partners.
  • Ensure design intent is carried forward by collaborating with technical teams, suppliers, and production stakeholders throughout development.
  • Contribute to packaging systems thinking by considering usability, ergonomics, manufacturability, cost, sustainability, and brand expression together.
  • Help identify whitespace opportunities and elevate the role of structural packaging design in innovation and brand building.
  • Manage assigned workstreams with quality, rigor, and attention to detail while meeting timelines and project expectations.

You Will Showcase
  • Strong core structural packaging design skills, including concept generation, form development, experience definition, prototyping, and visualization.
  • Ability to move from insight to idea to tangible packaging solution with clarity and craft.
  • Understanding of packaging materials, basic manufacturing processes, and the realities of commercial implementation.
  • A strong point of view on packaging form, functionality, and consumer experience.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and incorporate feedback without losing design intent.
  • Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to explain design rationale to both design and non-design audiences.
  • Interest in sustainability and circular design principles as they relate to packaging systems and innovation.
  • A desire to grow from strong executional capability into broader strategic design leadership over time.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $80,200 - $134,250.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Design, Industrial Design, Product Design, or equivalent relevant experience required.
  • 5+ years of product design, or related design development experience; CPG experience strongly preferred. with a minimum of 2 years in structural packaging design
  • Demonstrated ability to create strong consumer-facing structural packaging solutions through past work and case studies.
  • Extraordinary design taste and attention to detail.
  • Strong ability in sketching, visualization, prototyping, and 3D development.
  • Extraordinary ability in using the Adobe Creative Suite, Keyshot, Vizcom and Solidworks software.
  • Working knowledge of packaging materials, engineering constraints, and manufacturing considerations.
  • Proficiency with relevant design and visualization tools.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
  • Proven ability to work in an ambiguous and fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
  • Must be willing and able to travel up to 10-15% of the time.

>
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

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