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Packaging Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Packaging Engineer

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Packaging Engineer Location: Romeoville, IL Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire, Onsite Target Pay Rate: $65.00 - $70.00/hour (on contract) | $135,000-145,000/year (upon conversion) Benefits: PTO, paid ...

The LaSalle Group

Packaging Engineer

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As they expand and innovate, we're seeking a Packaging Engineer to take their packaging designs from concept to commercialization-ensuring every product not only delights consumers but moves ...

Silgan

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Packaging Engineer | Silgan Closures - Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area) Join Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 global leader in sustainable food and beverage packaging, as a Packaging Engineer in our ...

Silgan White Cap

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Packaging Engineer | Silgan Closures - Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area) Join Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 global leader in sustainable food and beverage packaging, as a Packaging Engineer in our ...

Silgancontainers

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Packaging Engineer | Silgan Closures - Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area) Join Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 global leader in sustainable food and beverage packaging, as a Packaging Engineer in our ...

Systematics

Packaging Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY Systematics is seeking a junior-level Packaging Engineer to join our packaging design team. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer with hands-on Eng View and ...

viaPhoton

Packaging Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

Have a bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field * Are proficient in SolidWorks for packaging design * Have experience with packaging materials and ...

Mittera Group Inc

Packaging Engineer

Berkeley, IL

Description Description Designs and engineers structural packaging solutions using corrugate and folding carton substrates, translating customer requirements and product specifications into buildable ...

Conagra Brands

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support technical projects with guidance from seniorlevel engineers. * Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology. * Provide ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.

Mittera

Packaging Engineer

Berkeley, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Description Designs and engineers structural packaging solutions using corrugate and folding carton substrates, translating customer requirements and product specifications into buildable, cost ...

CONAGRA

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.

Mittera Group

Packaging Engineer

Berkeley, IL · On-site

Description Designs and engineers structural packaging solutions using corrugate and folding carton substrates, translating customer requirements and product specifications into buildable, cost ...

Ferrara

Manager, Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

The Packaging Manager is responsible for leading and developing a team of Packaging Engineers while driving the design, development, and commercialization of packaging solutions across Ferrara ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * Minimum of 3 years of packaging development and project experience in consumer-packaged goods, manufacturing, packaging ...

Conagra Brands

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * Minimum of 3 years of packaging development and project experience in consumer-packaged goods, manufacturing, packaging ...

CONAGRA

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * Minimum of 3 years of packaging development and project experience in consumer-packaged goods, manufacturing, packaging ...

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All JobsPackaging Engineer JobsPackaging Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Packaging Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$43

$69

How much do packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineer in Chicago, IL is $43.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $50.77 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.
More about Packaging Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

What job categories do people searching Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Packaging Engineer job openings:

Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,776 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Packaging Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Romeoville, IL • On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Engineer
Location: Romeoville, IL
Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire, Onsite
Target Pay Rate: $65.00 - $70.00/hour (on contract) | $135,000–145,000/year (upon conversion)
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP program

Must-Have Skills:
  • Packaging engineering experience within cosmetics, personal care, or consumer packaged goods (CPG)
  • Experience developing primary and secondary packaging solutions
  • Strong understanding of packaging materials including plastics, glass, aluminum, and paperboard
  • Packaging testing experience including compatibility, stability, transport, and line trials
  • CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar)
  • Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills

Job Summary:
Seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions for cosmetic and personal care products. This role will partner with Product Development, Marketing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver packaging that meets brand, performance, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements while supporting sustainability and cost-saving initiatives.

Job Duties:
  • Design and develop primary and secondary packaging components including bottles, jars, tubes, pumps, caps, cartons, and labels
  • Translate product, consumer, and branding requirements into functional packaging solutions
  • Lead packaging projects from concept through commercialization
  • Conduct packaging feasibility studies and manage development timelines
  • Perform packaging validation and testing, including compatibility, drop, leakage, compression, and transportation testing
  • Support supplier qualification and onboarding activities
  • Develop packaging specifications, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
  • Provide technical support during manufacturing scale-up, validation, and product launch activities
  • Troubleshoot packaging issues related to manufacturing, filling, and distribution processes
  • Drive cost reduction, sustainability, and packaging performance improvement initiatives
  • Stay current on packaging innovations, materials, and industry trends

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required
  • 2–5+ years of packaging engineering experience preferred
  • Familiarity with cosmetic filling operations and manufacturing processes
  • Knowledge of FDA, ISO, ASTM, and packaging regulatory requirements preferred
  • Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives, including recyclability and PCR materials, is a plus
  • Experience working with overseas suppliers is preferred
  • Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience is a plus
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.