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Lead Packaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... Lead packaging validation and qualification activities for new product introductions and for design changes. • Manage internal packaging trials and work with external test labs and packaging ...

Senior Packaging Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

You will support and lead packaging-driven projects, support trials and/or start-ups, and perform hands-on package testing & prototyping in our state-of-the-art labs and pilot plants. Each engineer ...

Packaging Engineer

Allen, TX · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Lead packaging validation and qualification activities for new product introductions and for design changes. • Manage internal packaging trials and work with external test labs and packaging ...

Packaging Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Lead packaging and new product launches through design, supplier alignment, trials, startup, and ... Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials, Food Science, or similar (preferred) * 7+ ...

The Senior Packaging Engineer will drive packaging development, validation, and optimization ... Lead and execute packaging validations for new product development and sustaining changes in ...

The engineer will work closely with device, process, and test engineers to define interconnect ... Lead packaging of wide bandgap semiconductor devices (30%) * RF devices including HEMTs and MMICs

The Senior Packaging Engineer will drive packaging development, validation, and optimization ... Lead and execute packaging validations for new product development and sustaining changes in ...

Lead packaging troubleshooting, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives Your Qualification Profile * Essential: Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related ...

Lead physical packaging audits and compliance assessments across distribution center and warehouse ... Perform engineering reviews of packaging systems, materials, and supply chain performance.

Lead physical packaging audits and compliance assessments across distribution center and warehouse ... Perform engineering reviews of packaging systems, materials, and supply chain performance.

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Lead Packaging Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 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.

How much do packaging engineers make in the US?

Packaging engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, and the role often requires knowledge of materials, design, and manufacturing processes.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Lead Packaging Engineers or senior engineering roles in specialized industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in packaging design, project management, and often involve leadership responsibilities in manufacturing or consumer goods companies.

Is packaging engineering in demand?

Packaging engineering is in demand due to the growth of e-commerce, consumer goods, and sustainable packaging initiatives. Packaging engineers are needed to develop innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions, often requiring knowledge of materials, CAD tools, and industry standards. Job prospects are strong in manufacturing, logistics, and product development sectors.

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 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, and why are they important?

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.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.
More about Lead Packaging Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Packaging Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Central Garden & Pet

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and validate packaging for new and existing products, including dielines, drawings, prototypes, and technical specifications.

  • Lead packaging trials on production lines, troubleshoot packaging issues, and recommend improvements by collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.

  • Ensure packaging complies with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and sustainability initiatives while coordinating with suppliers and internal teams.


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 69,957 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 40 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

Central Life Sciences is searching for a Packaging Engineer in our Dallas, TX location! The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing operations and new product development. This role is responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing packaging solutions that meet brand standards, run efficiently on production lines, reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has experience in both hands-on line support and consumer packaging development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Packaging Design & Development
  • Design, develop, and validate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new and existing products
  • Create dielines, drawings, prototypes, and technical packaging specifications
  • Manage artwork, labeling, and print proof processes with suppliers and internal teams
  • Translate marketing/brand requirements into manufacturable packaging formats
 
Manufacturing & Line Support
  • Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend improvements
  • Troubleshoot packaging-related issues (sealing, fit, durability, material compatibility, throughput)
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering on equipment setup, qualification, and optimization
  • Support CAPEX projects involving new or upgraded packaging equipment (e.g., labelers, case packers, banders, palletizers)
 
Cost, Quality, and Sustainability
  • Drive packaging cost savings through material optimization, light weighting, and supplier refinement
  • Ensure packaging meets quality standards, transit testing requirements, and durability expectations
  • Manage packaging complaints and execute root-cause analysis with Quality and suppliers
  • Support sustainability initiatives, including PCR integration, recyclable materials, and reduced waste designs
 
Compliance & Regulatory
  • Ensure packaging complies with regulatory requirements (DOT, EPA, FIFRA if applicable, Amazon, retail customer specs)
  • Coordinate ISTA/ASTM performance testing and ensure proper certification for e-commerce channels
  • Maintain accurate documentation in PLM, ERP, and quality systems
 
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work directly with packaging converters, printers, corrugate suppliers, and material vendors
  • Partner closely with Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations throughout the product lifecycle
  • Evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and automation trends to support innovation
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field 
  • 2–6 years of experience in a packaging engineering role supporting both manufacturing and product development 
  • Strong understanding of packaging materials and processes (corrugate, films, rigid plastics, flexibles, labels, folding cartons) 
  • Experience with CAD/drafting tools, ISTA/ASTM testing, and documentation systems 
  • Knowledge of printing processes, color management, and e-commerce packaging standards (Amazon FFP/SIOC/ISTA 6) 
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with root-cause methodologies (DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone) 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, work cross-functionally, and balance technical detail with business needs 
WORKING CONDITIONS  
  • The primary working environment is an office, complete with Engineering tools such as a computer, CAD/CAM software, TOPPS, data analysis tools and measuring devices.
 
  • The secondary environment will be the shop floor, laboratory, machine shop, seminar classroom or off-site, third-party facilities. 
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave
 
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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