1

Packaging Associate Jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ (NOW HIRING)

This role reports to the Associate Director, Sourcing and provides administrative and project support to help manage new packaging product requests and updates. The ideal candidate Is eager to learn ...

This role reports to the Associate Director, Sourcing and provides administrative and project support to help manage new packaging product requests and updates. The ideal candidate Is eager to learn ...

This entry‑level role reports to the Associate Director, Sourcing and provides administrative and project support to help manage new packaging product requests and updates. The ideal candidate is ...

We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! POSITION PURPOSE As the Principal Packaging Engineer, you will serve as the enterprise-wide technical ...

Showing results 41-60

Packaging Associate information

See Ridgefield Park, NJ salary details

$11

$18

$21

How much do packaging associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging associate in Ridgefield Park, NJ is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging associate?

Packaging Associates are workers responsible for preparing products for shipment by packaging them according to company standards. Their tasks typically include assembling boxes, labeling packages, inspecting products for quality, and ensuring items are securely packed to prevent damage during transportation. They often work in warehouses, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers and may use various tools and machines to assist with packaging. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently are important skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Associate, you generally need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety and quality standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and inventory tracking software is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and reliability are crucial soft skills that help maintain steady workflow and meet production targets. These skills ensure efficient, safe handling of products and consistent output in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges packaging associates face, and how can they be overcome?

Packaging Associates often encounter challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, maintaining quality control, and adapting to repetitive tasks. To succeed, it's important to develop strong attention to detail, effective time management skills, and a focus on safety protocols. Collaborating closely with team members and supervisors can help streamline workflow and resolve issues quickly, making the environment efficient and supportive.

What is the difference between Packaging Associate vs Material Handler?

AspectPackaging AssociateMaterial Handler
Primary RoleAssembles, packages, and prepares products for shipmentMoves, loads, and unloads materials within a facility
Skills & CertificationsBasic math, attention to detail, possibly forklift certificationForklift operation, inventory management, safety training
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, production lines, packaging stationsWarehouse, distribution centers, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, retailManufacturing, warehousing, distribution

While both roles operate within warehouse and manufacturing settings, Packaging Associates focus on preparing products for shipment by packaging and labeling, whereas Material Handlers manage the movement and storage of materials. Both roles require safety awareness and may involve forklift operation, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do you get paid for packaging?

Packaging associates typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may also offer overtime pay or bonuses for efficiency and accuracy in packaging tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Associate jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ?

For Packaging Associate jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ridgefield Park, NJ are hiring for Packaging Associate jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield Park, NJ with the most Packaging Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging Associate job openings in Ridgefield Park, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,838 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Packaging Specialist, Discovery & Innovation

PDI (NY)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! 

POSITION PURPOSE

PDI’s Discovery & Innovation team builds the future pipeline of differentiated technologies, platforms, and solutions that drive long-term growth and market leadership. The team focuses on early-stage research, materials and packaging innovation, rapid feasibility, and external collaboration to turn what’s next into what’s real.

The Packaging Specialist, Discovery & Innovation is a hands-on creator and technical catalyst within this upstream innovation engine. Reporting to the Director, Discovery & Innovation, this role explores novel materials, formats, and packaging technologies—and translates them into testable concepts, prototypes, and learning plans that can progress into the R&D pipeline.

This role is ideal for a builder who thrives in ambiguity, challenges conventional thinking, and brings both imagination and rigor to early-stage work. Success is defined by clear, on-time deliverables that enable stage-gate decisions and downstream development. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE

  • Build what’s next: turn emerging packaging technologies into real prototypes and proof points
  • Own your work end-to-end: drive innovation workstreams with clear deliverables and timelines
  • Shape future platforms: influence strategy, prove feasibility, and enable scale-up
  • Gain real visibility: present concepts and insights to senior leaders and cross-functional partners 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

  • Innovation Leadership: Lead upstream packaging innovation by developing and advancing early-stage concepts that align with PDI's future platforms and strategic priorities.
  • Market Insights: Transform consumer insights and market signals into actionable designs and solutions, using strong commercial and technical judgement.
  • External Partnerships: Engage with suppliers, startups, and academic institutions to leverage external innovation, exploring novel materials and technologies that can enhance packaging solutions. 
  • Portfolio Management: Curate and oversee a balanced portfolio of opportunities across various time horizons, ensuring alignment with the Discovery & Innovation roadmap and maximizing long-term value. 
  • Project Ownership and Execution: Assume full ownership of assigned innovation workstreams, managing project scope, timelines, and execution with a commitment to high-quality standards and successful handoffs to Product Development.
  • Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation: Design, build, and test prototypes through rapid experimentation, allowing for swift learning and informed go/no-go decisions to evaluate scalability and feasibility.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers to seamlessly integrate packaging into early research, ensuring cohesive development workflows.
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify and address technical, material, and regulatory risks early in the process, developing mitigation strategies to facilitate smooth downstream development.
  • Decision Support and Communication: Synthesize findings into comprehensive technical narratives that support portfolio decisions and effectively communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

  • Delivery of clear, decision-ready outputs (concepts, prototypes, feasibility plans, and recommendations)
  • Speed to learning and execution discipline
  • Quality and actionability of feasibility assessments and technical insights
  • Advancement of concepts into the innovation pipeline
  • Effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration and handoffs
  • Impact of external partnerships and technology scouting

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

  • BS in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program
  • Advanced degree preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

  • Packaging materials, formats, and systems
  • Early-stage research and feasibility processes
  • Awareness of packaging considerations in regulated environments
  • Familiarity with emerging materials and sustainability trends

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • 3–6 years in packaging engineering, materials development, or innovation-focused R&D
  • Experience supporting early-stage research or feasibility work
  • Exposure to regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharma, or consumer healthcare)
  • Experience with prototyping, testing, or concept evaluation

SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Apply strong packaging fundamentals to solve ambiguous, early-stage problems
  • Translate insights into differentiated concepts and clear recommendations
  • Design and execute experiments to assess feasibility and risk
  • Synthesize technical findings into clear, decision-ready outputs
  • Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
  • Build strong partnerships internally and externally
  • Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and follow-through
  • Stay current on emerging technologies and innovation trends
  • Leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to accelerate research and development

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • No hazardous or unpleasant working conditions

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa sponsorship. 

SALARY RANGE:

  • $80,000 - $115,000 Annually

BENEFITS 

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

  • Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
  • Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Short & long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts. 

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including:  sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.