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Packaging Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Looking for a senior level IC packaging engineer to develop exciting new products. You will be responsible providing Custom Silicon packaging solutions in a module/system for various consumer markets.

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for developing innovative packaging solutions that protect our advanced defense hardware systems throughout the entire product lifecycle -- from ...

Packaging Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA Β· On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Looking for a senior level IC packaging engineer to develop exciting new products. You will be responsible providing Custom Silicon packaging solutions in a module/system for various consumer markets.

Packaging Engineer

San Francisco, CA Β· On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware Looking for a senior level IC packaging engineer to develop exciting new products. You will be responsible providing Custom Silicon ...

A Day in the Life As a Temp Packaging Engineer you'll report to the Director of Packaging Engineering for NYX and support the Consumer Products Division Operations packaging team at El Segundo. This ...

Packaging Engineer (50730)

Oxnard, CA Β· On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Summary Packaging Engineer Salary Range: $30.00 - $40.00/ Hr. ***Must be willing to relocate to Henderson, NV by Q1 2027*** As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world ...

As a Packaging Engineer II on our Packaging team, you'll be responsible for designing, testing and validating packaging systems for our spinal implants, Biologics, and surgical instruments. This ...

Showing results 21-40

Packaging Engineer information

See California salary details

$19

$41

$66

How much do packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineer in California is $41.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $48.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging engineer?

A packaging engineer is an engineer who specializes in developing containers and packages for products that meet the manufacturer’s needs. As a packaging engineer, your responsibilities and duties include working with the product manufacturer to decide what kind of package or container (box, bottle, bag, stretch wrap, molded forms, etc.) is best for the product. You discuss what material (paper, plastic, glass, metal, etc.) is best. You determine the most efficient method to produce the containers and how they will appear. This job often requires travel to meet with clients.

What does a packaging engineer do?

A Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing packaging solutions for products. They work to ensure that packaging is cost-effective, meets safety and regulatory standards, and protects the product during shipping and storage. Packaging Engineers collaborate with product development, manufacturing, and marketing teams to create packaging that is functional, sustainable, and appealing to customers. They may also research new materials and technologies to improve packaging performance and reduce environmental impact.

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

To thrive as a Packaging Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and packaging design, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and regulatory standards such as ISTA or ASTM is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help you innovate and work effectively with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure the creation of cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant packaging solutions that protect products and meet business objectives.

How does a packaging engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

Packaging Engineers work closely with teams in product design, marketing, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure that packaging solutions are functional, cost-effective, and align with brand requirements. They frequently attend cross-functional meetings to gather input on packaging needs, address manufacturability concerns, and ensure regulatory compliance. This collaborative approach helps streamline the launch of new products and resolves issues quickly, making strong communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Packaging Engineer vs Packaging Technician?

AspectPackaging EngineerPackaging Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, packaging science, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of packaging solutions; collaboration with R&D and manufacturingImplementation, setup, and troubleshooting of packaging processes on the production line
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, consumer goods, food & beverage, pharmaceuticalsPackaging facilities, manufacturing plants, distribution centers

Packaging Engineers focus on designing and developing packaging solutions, requiring technical degrees and working in R&D or design settings. Packaging Technicians handle the practical implementation and maintenance of packaging processes on the production floor, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

Are packaging engineers in demand?

Packaging engineers are in demand due to the growth of e-commerce and the need for sustainable packaging solutions. They work in manufacturing, consumer goods, and logistics industries, often requiring knowledge of materials, design, and industry standards. Job prospects are strong for those with technical skills and experience in CAD software and quality control.

How much do packaging engineers make?

Packaging engineers in general earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with higher salaries possible in metropolitan areas due to cost of living and demand. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $100,000 annually. Salary depends on factors such as experience, education, industry, and company size.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Engineer jobs in California?

For Packaging Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Packaging Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,966 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Flexible Packaging Engineer

Salinas, CA β€’ Hybrid

Destiny Packaging Inc.
Plastics Product ManufacturingΒ β€’Β 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop automated sample request processes with primary suppliers to make requests transparent to Sales and Buyers

  • Identify competitive films and suggest comparable product offerings

  • Assist in the development of cross-reference charts for roll stock, shrink bags, and shrink films


Job description

Destiny Packaging, a Bunzl company, is seeking a Flexible Packaging Engineer to act as a technical conduit between the films we market and our Sales team. This person will need to be knowledgeable and have experience in flexible packaging products structure and properties. Additionally, the job will require on-site customer visits, product application identification and creative engineered solutions.

This position is based in Salinas, CA, and will be a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop automated sample request process with our primary suppliers that make the request transparent to Sales and Buyers
  • Identify competitive films and suggest our comparable product offering
  • Provide support in the development of competitors cross reference charts for roll stock, shrink bags, and shrink films
  • Assist on plant surveys
  • Give periodic progress presentations to executive leadership
  • Assist Sales in test runs of new films and bags at the customer’s facility
  • Develop a working relationship with our primary equipment suppliers
  • Build relationships with equipment suppliers that are strategic to Destiny Packaging but not yet working with us
  • Provide support in the development of a marketing and specification collateral website for sales and customer PDF access, sell sheets, MSDS and properties specifications

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering or a related field is preferred
  • Experience with MAP, barrier films, laminated structures, COEX films, SUPs, flexo print, shrink, stretch, and poly bag structures is preferred
  • Two years of field experience is preferred
  • Knowledge of vertical form and fill equipment is preferred
  • Understanding of the chemistry of poly urethane, poly vinyl, and poly olefin films, single direction and bi-directional shrink films, barrier and co extruded poly films is preferred
  • Presentation skills, Power Point or Keynote is preferred
  • Excel skills; pivot tables would be a plus
  • Ability to build a ROI model based on film property changes, such as run speed, down gauging, and size changes to roll stock, shrink bags or stretch film is preferred
  • Capable of a cut and weight analysis on stretch film is preferred
  • Travel as needed, sometimes with overnight stays

Destiny Packaging's salary range is $75-80k plus bonus based on experience, education and geographic location.

    What's In It For You?           

    • The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.
    • Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
    • Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
    • 401K with generous company match
    • Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks.   

    Bunzl North America is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work®. At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… Your Career - - Our Future!

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    Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match.

    Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.