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Packaging Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ensures packaging development and improvement project meets all customer and internal requirements for synchronous manufacturing, ergonomics, environmental and safety standards. * Manage all program ...

Ensures packaging development and improvement project meets all customer and internal requirements for synchronous manufacturing, ergonomics, environmental and safety standards. * Manage all program ...

Packaging Design Engineer

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$125K/yr

Participate in the packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, performance testing, and flawless launch execution with both internal operations ...

Packaging Engineering Intern

Burton, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Support the complete packaging development process including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing * Fix new and existing packaging problems involving ...

Packaging Engineering Intern

Burton, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Support the complete packaging development process including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing * Fix new and existing packaging problems involving ...

On-site work Job Id: 54054 R&D Packaging Intern At Bel, we are not just a company-we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social ...

On-site work Job Id: 54054 R&D Packaging Intern At Bel, we are not just a company-we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social ...

Packaging

Allegan, MI · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

... employee development and long-term advancement. Why Join Perrigo? * No experience required ... Set up and operate packaging machinery in accordance with established procedures and safety ...

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 ...

Packaging Design & Development: * Leads supplier and plant design and development of innovative and functional packaging solutions (returnable and expendable) that meet specific requirements for ...

Packaging Associate

Coldwater, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Fox offers an excellent compensation package and wide-ranging opportunities for professional development. Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Spending and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Disability and ...

Lead the end-to-end development of custom returnable material handling systems, utilizing ... packaging. * Work with minimal supervision to define project scope and technical approaches ...

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Showing results 1-20

Packaging Development information

See Michigan salary details

$28.8K

$67.5K

$115.9K

How much do packaging development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development in Michigan is $67,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $78,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging development?

A Packaging Development job involves designing, testing, and improving packaging solutions to ensure product protection, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Professionals in this role collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain, to create packaging that aligns with brand identity and sustainability goals. They also evaluate materials, comply with regulatory requirements, and optimize packaging for production efficiency and customer experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a packaging development role?

In a Packaging Development role, your day-to-day activities often include designing packaging concepts, conducting materials testing, collaborating with suppliers, and working closely with manufacturing and marketing teams to ensure packaging solutions meet functional and branding requirements. You may also be involved in troubleshooting packaging-related issues on production lines and conducting cost and sustainability analyses. Additionally, it's common to manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay updated on industry trends and regulations. This diverse set of responsibilities ensures variety in your work and opportunities to build expertise across several facets of packaging and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the packaging development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Packaging Development, you need a solid understanding of packaging materials, engineering principles, and product design, often supported by a degree in packaging engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with design software (such as CAD), testing equipment, and sometimes certifications like ISTA are commonly required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive collaboration and innovation in cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for creating functional, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory and client specifications.

Are packaging development engineers in demand?

Packaging development engineers are in demand due to the growing need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions across industries such as consumer goods, food, and pharmaceuticals. They often require skills in materials science, CAD software, and knowledge of industry regulations, with employment prospects driven by trends toward eco-friendly packaging and product protection.

What degree do you need to be a packaging development?

A packaging development professional typically needs a bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, industrial design, materials science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of packaging materials, design software, and manufacturing processes, and some roles may require experience or certifications in packaging technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Development jobs in Michigan?

For Packaging Development jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Packaging Development job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,495 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Senior Packaging Engineer

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Working for Sara Lee:

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery became a stand-alone company in 2018 when it was purchased by Kohlberg and Company (private equity) from Tyson Foods. We have the feel of start up in many ways, though we are an established brand with a strong customer and consumer base. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, continually seek process improvements and a strong sense of customer service, then this is the right type of environment for you. 

Our vision is to be the world’s most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We believe that there is always a better way, and we will never be satisfied with status quo. We believe simplicity enables speed. We believe in integrity above all. We live for food, and we “wow” consumers and customers through collaboration and innovation. 

Summary

This role will be responsible for organizing, planning, managing and executing packaging Innovation, development and cost reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice businesses. This individual will work with project teams to investigate and recommend materials, processes, innovation, packaging, and equipment to bring assigned project successfully to market. The individual in this role will also support Supply Chain and BU function in manufacturing of packages that meet customer and consumer expectation for character, cost, and quality across various product categories. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support assigned business/product lines with all package development needs
  • Manage multiple packaging development, technical application, and cost reduction projects and/or programs
  • Lead assigned resources in problem identification and problem resolution to facilitate new or improved packages, packaging upgrades, new or improved processes and cost savings
  • Coordinate and execute experiments, as well as plant trials; prepare results in technical reports, both written and oral, for review with minimal supervision
  • Work as a cross functional resource with Business Units, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Engineering, Product Development R&D, and Procurement to develop new packaging platforms to support product innovation
  • Provide technical support to project teams to solve manufacturing problems
  • Assure all projects are seen through to completion including documentation and protection of intellectual property as well as development and issuing of technical specifications, Bill of Materials, and relevant packaging documentation. 
  • Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with operations/divisional management and external customers
  • Leverage external vendors and work directly with procurement
  • Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry
  • Perform all activities in a safe manner and within the context of all Sara Lee Frozen Bakery safety protocols

The position responsibilities outlined above are not to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree Packaging Engineering or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering industry, CPG preferred
  • Understanding of product and packaging interactions, sustainability, food protections and packaging tests
  • Understanding of packaging equipment, packaging processes and ability to work with supply chain engineering on capital projects involving packaging solutions
  • Basic computer skills required; competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Cape, Tops, ArtiosCad, CAD, etc.
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, self-starter, as well as good teamwork skills and ability to foster cross-functional partnerships
  • Strong analytical and logical problem- solving skills; trouble shooting skills with the ability to “think on their feet”
  • Ability to manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis, executing with excellence
  • Ability to work in food allergen areas (Nuts, Dairy, Egg, etc.)
  • Ability to travel 25 – 35% of the time


Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.