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Packaging Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

J&J Snack Foods

Packaging Engineering Lead

La Vergne, TN

$97K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the development, commercialization, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging ...

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Licensing Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Support development of licensing strategies and documentation packages Engineering Integration ... Work closely with engineering teams to understand system designs, materials, and processes * Ensure ...

Ideal Tridon

Packaging Operator-2nd Shift

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $17.54/hr

Our products are engineered to meet the highest standards across a range of industries, and our ... We are seeking Hand Packagers for 2nd shift to join our team at Ideal Tridon in Smyrna TN! Shift ...

RK&K

Engineer I - Water Resources

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$76K - $104K/yr

Watershed / Drainage Basin modeling and analysisutilizingeither EPA SWMM or PCSWMM software packages * Engineer in Training (EIT) Other Duties Pleasenotethis is not designed to cover orcontaina ...

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Packaging Engineer information

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How much do packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineer in Tennessee is $38.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Are packaging engineers in demand?

Packaging engineers are in demand due to the growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and consumer goods industries that require innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. They often need skills in materials, design, and manufacturing processes, with employment opportunities available across various sectors.

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.

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.
More about Packaging Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Packaging Engineer job openings:

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Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,979 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Packaging Engineering Lead

J&J Snack Foods

La Vergne, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

J&J Snack Foods rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin' Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to "Fun Served Here".
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the development, commercialization, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for the company's portfolio of pretzels, churros, cookies, and other food products across retail, club, e-commerce, and foodservice channels. Operating in a fast-paced consumer packaged goods environment, this role partners closely with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, sustainable, and automation-ready packaging solutions. These solutions must protect product quality, support shelf-life requirements, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the consumer experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Provides technical expertise and partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to design and develop packaging systems, including flow wrapping, vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS), case and carton forming, case packing, and palletizing systems.
  • Plans, designs, tests, and validates new packaging processes while continuously improving and optimizing existing processes.
  • Designs packaging line processes that support current packaging matrix requirements while allowing flexibility for future products and packaging formats.
  • Researches and evaluates emerging packaging technologies, equipment, formats, and innovations.
  • Identifies opportunities for automation and prepare capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including return-on-investment analyses, for new equipment and packaging line modifications.
  • Initiates requests for quotation (RFQs) and collaborates with Product Development teams to establish equipment specifications, operating parameters, and performance requirements.
  • Partners with equipment vendors, corporate project managers, and operations teams to support packaging equipment installation, startup, and successful commissioning.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that increase equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.
  • Leads root cause analysis investigations for recurring equipment or process issues and develop and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Identifies cost-reduction opportunities and develop business plans to achieve and sustain the associated savings.
  • Manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, providing clear status updates, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Performs other duties and special projects assigned by the VP of Engineering.

COMPETENCIES:
To succeed in this role, the Packaging Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:
  • Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, schedule management, vendor coordination, and cost control.
  • Ability to develop and clearly present business cases, including ROI analyses and capital expenditure justifications.
  • Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, and senior leadership.
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to others.
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
  • Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
  • Knowledge of secondary packaging equipment and formats.
  • Experience designing packaging for automated, high-speed lines.
  • Proficiency with CAD software.
  • Knowledge of OEE metrics and packaging line optimization.
  • Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.

TRAVEL:
This position is based in La Vergne, TN. Domestic and international travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 25%, depending on business needs.
Disclaimer: This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement: J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.

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