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Packaging Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Engineer COOP Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Salary: $27.50 per hour ...

Reporting to Package Design Supervisor, successful Package Designer II would work to support the development and launch of new package designs and existing package enhancements. Utilizing technical ...

Reporting to Package Design Supervisor, successful Package Designer II would work to support the development and launch of new package designs and existing package enhancements. Utilizing technical ...

Packaging Engineer COOP Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Salary: $27.50 per hour ...

Principal Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $159K/yr

You will also act as a technical mentor and key resource for packaging engineering platforms. A Taste of Your Responsibilities * Champion ideas for technology improvements, compliance requirements ...

Principal Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$109K - $159K/yr

You will also act as a technical mentor and key resource for packaging engineering platforms. A Taste of Your Responsibilities * Champion ideas for technology improvements, compliance requirements ...

Packaging Engineer - (Decatur, IL or ADM Packaging Site)This is an exempt, salary-level roleThis position reports to the Director of Global Packaging.Travel: 25-50%LocationThis role can be based in ...

Packaging Engineer - (Decatur, IL or ADM Packaging Site) This is an exempt, salary-level role This position reports to the Director of Global Packaging. Travel: 25-50% Location This role can be based ...

Position overview The Packaging Data Engineer will report directly to the Global Head of Engineering and collaborate closely with engineering and client teams. The role will build and manage data ...

Position overview The Packaging Data Engineer will report directly to the Global Head of Engineering and collaborate closely with engineering and client teams. The role will build and manage data ...

Showing results 41-60

Packaging Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$19

$41

$64

How much do packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineer in Illinois is $41.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.68 and $47.74 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Packaging Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,390 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Packaging Engineer COOP

Winland Foods, Inc.

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Winland Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Winland Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, IL, is a global manufacturer of private label and branded foods for retail and co-pack customers. We use only the finest ingredients and ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of taste, quality and accessibility. Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet the evolving needs of the consumers. We work closely with our customers to offer consumer-loved brands and custom private label products, and also create new innovative products. We specialize in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, and more. We are proud to share we have manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy.
Employee Type:
Full time
Location:
IL Oak Brook
Job Type:
Administration
Job Posting Title:
Packaging Engineer COOP
Job Description:
Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Salary: $27.50 per hour, with an additional one-time lump sum payment to support expenses
Duration: Hiring for two open positions:
  • Open Position 1: January to June 2028
  • Open Position 2: July to December 2028

Job Summary:
As a Packaging Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Packaging science principles to meet project objectives. Our team has deep technical expertise across a variety of packaging formats. You can expect a combination of:
  • Stimulating projects
  • Exposure to industry experts
  • On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals
  • Continuous development opportunities, and much more

As an intern/coop, you will work independently and as part of various teams, working toward goals on project assignments with guidance provided as needed with the intent of offering opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation.
Examples of Projects:
  • New product development; concept/prototype work.
  • Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material substitutions.
  • Sustainability initiatives, meeting customer goals for various sustainability metrics.
  • Line trials and packaging line qualifications to support project work.
  • Evaluation and optimization of corporate database housing all component specifications and drawings, packaging performance requirements and palletizing specifications.

In addition to hands-on experience in Finance, this position will provide the intern with:
  • Project management, time management and organizational skills.
  • Understanding the role/function of packaging development within the corporate product launch process, including the critical role that their technical expertise plays in a successful design.
  • Working with cross functional team members and developing an understanding of how each role impacts the commercialization of a product.
  • Exposure to manufacturing equipment to understand the impact of materials selection and design parameters.
  • Presentation of findings to a broad audience after thorough research of issues and topics.

EEO Statement:
Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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