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Lead Packaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Engineer We are seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and launch of packaging solutions for a Tier 1 automotive value-added assembly ...

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

Position Summary We are looking for an engineer who can lead the entire packaging development process , make technical decisions, solve problems independently, and work cross-functionally with ...

Our Packaging engineers design, develop, and implement complete new product packaging solutions ... Join us to lead progressive growth and make a significant impact within a leading organization.

Lead returnable packaging and dunnage development for directed-buy and sourced suppliers. * Develop and approve final assembly racks that ship directly to customers and meet all customer ...

Senior Packaging Engineer Location: Boston, MA Duration: 12+ Months Experience: 5 Years Job Summary ... Lead and execute packaging validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ, transit testing, and aging ...

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

Lead troubleshooting of persistent, complex packaging issues, providing win:win solutions that ... Collaborate with Controls Engineers to test, debug, and deploy control programs effectively.

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.

Packaging Design Engineering Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations ... Lead packaging initiatives and programs across secondary and tertiary packaging, ensuring clear ...

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.

Packaging Engineer

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Lead the way on multi-million-dollar, cross-functional packaging projects impacting multiple plants ... Collaborate with engineering, R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams to optimize designs for cost ...

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

Packaging Engineering Manager

Frisco, TX · On-site

$96K - $160K/yr

Lead end-to-end development of rigid packaging systems, including bottles and closures, from ... Manage and develop one Associate Packaging Engineer, providing technical guidance, prioritization ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 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.

More about Lead Packaging Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Packaging Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Packaging Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and launch of packaging solutions for a Tier 1 automotive value-added assembly environment. This role will support inbound directed-buy and sourced components, internal material flow, and outbound finished goods packaging, including customer-facing final assembly racks.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on automotive packaging experience with returnable containers, custom dunnage, steel racks, totes, bulk containers, supplier packaging, customer/OEM packaging requirements, and production launch support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop packaging for inbound components, internal WIP, and outbound finished goods.
  • Lead returnable packaging and dunnage development for directed-buy and sourced suppliers.
  • Develop and approve final assembly racks that ship directly to customers and meet all customer specifications.
  • Review customer/OEM packaging standards and translate requirements into internal, supplier, and vendor specifications.
  • Coordinate packaging trials, fit checks, line trials, transport testing, and validation.
  • Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, BOMs, work instructions, pack data, and approval records.
  • Work with suppliers, rack builders, packaging vendors, customers, logistics, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and engineering.
  • Support APQP, PPAP, launch readiness, run-at-rate, engineering changes, and production issue resolution.
  • Optimize packaging for product protection, ergonomics, cost, pack density, freight efficiency, material flow, sustainability, and standardization.
  • Resolve packaging-related issues such as part damage, poor line-side presentation, container shortages, supplier noncompliance, and customer concerns.
  • Manage multiple packaging projects and launch deliverables in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
  • 3+ years of packaging engineering, material handling, logistics engineering, or manufacturing experience.
  • Automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with returnable packaging, dunnage, racks, totes, bulk containers, or expendable packaging.
  • CAD experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, NX, or similar.
  • Strong knowledge of material flow, ergonomics, launch support, supplier coordination, and packaging documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with GM, Ford, Stellantis, or other OEM packaging standards and customer portals.
  • Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFEP, IATF 16949, Lean Manufacturing, and root cause analysis.
  • Experience with rack/dunnage RFQs, supplier packaging approvals, packaging validation, and returnable fleet sizing.
  • Strong Excel, PowerPoint, ERP/MRP, and packaging database skills.