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Lead Packaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Packaging Engineer

Orangeburg, SC · On-site

$88K - $123K/yr

This position will lead packaging development from early concept through commercial launch ... Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site , from early-phase design ...

Packaging Engineer II

Greeley, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Packaging Engineer II for Pilgrim's and JBS Prepared Foods, you will work with the R&D team ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer II

Greeley, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Packaging Engineer II Purpose and Scope/General Summary: We are looking for a Packaging Engineer II ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer II

Greeley, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Packaging Engineer II for Pilgrim's and JBS Prepared Foods, you will work with the R&D team ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer II Purpose and Scope/General Summary: We are looking for a Packaging Engineer II ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer II

Greeley, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Packaging Engineer II Purpose and Scope/General Summary: We are looking for a Packaging Engineer II ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer II

Greeley, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Packaging Engineer II for Pilgrim's and JBS Prepared Foods, you will work with the R&D team ... Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development ...

Packaging Engineer

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$75 - $115/hr

Lead packaging and material flow improvement projects across Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Purchasing. * Design and develop packaging solutions for individual components and ...

The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing ... Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend ...

The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing ... Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend ...

The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing ... Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend ...

The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing ... Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend ...

Packaging Engineer, Sentry

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129 - $171/hr

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for developing innovative packaging solutions that ... Lead packaging development from concept through production , delivering structural packaging ...

Position Senior Packaging Engineer Location Philadelphia, PA Summary The Senior Packaging Engineer ... Lead packaging development activities for new product introductions, line extensions, market ...

Packaging Engineer

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Lead packaging and material flow improvement projects across Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Purchasing. * Design and develop packaging solutions for individual components and ...

Leadership Lead medium-scale packaging engineering projects with limited supervision, coordinating across functions such as production, quality, and logistics. Manage project timelines, deliverables ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Packaging Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead packaging engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead packaging engineer do?

A Lead Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the creation of packaging solutions for products, ensuring they are safe, cost-effective, and sustainable. They lead a team of engineers and collaborate closely with manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain departments to meet project goals. Their tasks include selecting appropriate materials, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing packaging for efficiency and environmental impact. The Lead Packaging Engineer also troubleshoots any issues related to packaging and implements continuous improvements to the packaging process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead packaging engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Packaging Engineer, you need a solid background in packaging design, materials science, and engineering principles, typically with a bachelor’s degree in packaging, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards (like ISTA or ASTM) is essential, and certifications such as Six Sigma or CPP can be valuable. Strong project management, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and guide teams effectively. These abilities ensure the creation of cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory requirements and customer needs.

How does a lead packaging engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Lead Packaging Engineer, you'll frequently collaborate with teams such as product design, manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance. Your role involves integrating packaging solutions that meet product requirements, regulatory standards, and sustainability goals while also ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as you'll be leading packaging initiatives, resolving technical challenges, and aligning packaging strategies with broader business objectives. Regular meetings and project updates are common to ensure all stakeholders are informed and any issues are addressed promptly.

What is the difference between Lead Packaging Engineer vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectLead Packaging EngineerPackaging Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees packaging design, manages projects, leads teams, ensures complianceDevelops packaging solutions, executes design tasks, supports production
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, advanced technical knowledgeTechnical packaging design, problem-solving, basic project coordination
CertificationsOften requires engineering degrees, certifications like PMP beneficialEngineering degree, certifications like CPPA or related
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign labs, production facilities, R&D departments

The Lead Packaging Engineer typically holds a leadership role, managing packaging projects and teams, requiring advanced technical skills and certifications. Packaging Engineers focus on designing and implementing packaging solutions, often with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are vital in manufacturing industries, but the lead position emphasizes oversight and strategic planning.

More about Lead Packaging Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Lead Packaging Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Packaging Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Lead Packaging Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Sr. Packaging Engineer

Ferrara

Orangeburg, SC • On-site

$88K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Ferrara Candy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Work Location: Orangeburg
Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.
Want to make an impact?
We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to play a critical role in the planning, design, and start-up of a new greenfield manufacturing facility . This position will lead packaging development from early concept through commercial launch, ensuring packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, compliant, and ready for high-volume production.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, has hands-on experience launching new sites or production lines, and can bridge strategic design with factory-floor execution.
Role will be based in South Carolina.Individual should be willing to travel up to 20% of the time
Ways you will make a difference
  • Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site , from early-phase design through start-up,ramp-upand continued operational improvement
  • Define packaging system requirements aligned with manufacturing strategy, supply chain, quality, and commercialization timelines
  • Partner with Operations and Facilities on line layout, ergonomics, and throughput optimization
  • Assist Project Engineering team to evaluate and select packaging equipment, automation, and tooling
  • Help facilitate FATs, SATs, commissioning, and qualification of new packaging lines
  • Troubleshoot startup issues and drive rapid stabilization post-launch Design and industrialize primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
  • Ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams to translate requirements into manufacturable solutions
  • Approve packaging specifications, drawings, and change documentation
  • Serve as packaging engineering lead across Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external suppliers
  • Support risk assessments, validation, and quality readiness activities
  • Lead and support continuous improvement efforts to drive best in class performance
  • Integrate sustainability considerations (material reduction, recyclability, waste reduction) into packaging designs
  • Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines
  • Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch

Skills that will make you successful
  • Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, automation, and material specifications
  • Experience working directly on the manufacturing floor during installation, qualification and startup
  • Proficiency with packaging specifications, and technical documentation
  • Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Strength in both oral and written presentation skills are a prerequisite to success
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • General knowledge of G.M.P.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.

Experiences that will support your success
  • BS degree in Packaging Engineering/Science discipline
  • 5+ years' experience
  • Experience with TOPS or CAPE Shipper/Palletization software
  • Experience with SAP and skilled with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, Access)

What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $88,155 - $123,418annually.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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