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Packaging Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Winland Foods, Inc.

Packaging Engineer COOP

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$27.50/hr

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 ...

Winlandfoods

Packaging Engineer COOP

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$27.50/hr

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 ...

Conagra Brands

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 ...

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Packaging Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$19

$41

$66

How much do packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineer in Elgin, IL is $41.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.31 and $48.70 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.
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Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,107 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Principal Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$109K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Director, Packaging, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new, improved, and cost-reduced packaging solutions that meet business objectives, advance stewardship priorities, and comply with regulatory requirements. You will serve as the primary technical project leader for multiple business platforms and packaging stewardship initiatives while providing cross-functional leadership on both large strategic initiatives and major base business projects. 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, sustainability enhancements, cost savings, and innovation aligned with strategic business priorities.
  • Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and technical leader in packaging engineering.
  • Drive execution of complex, cross-functional projects to deliver against platform and enterprise-level objectives.
  • Maintain a strong awareness of technical trends, regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and advancements within the packaging industry.
  • Define and align technical objectives for assigned businesses and projects.
  • Lead multiple complex projects simultaneously while managing priorities effectively.
  • Collaborate closely with internal business partners and cross-functional teams at a senior level.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers, and technical resources.
  • Represent the company with professionalism and contribute positively to its reputation within the technical and packaging community.
  • Apply strong expertise in experimental design, performance specifications, and commissioning, qualification, and validation design.
  • Mentor and develop packaging engineers across platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the packaging industry, preferably within consumer packaged goods, or a Master's or Doctorate degree in Packaging or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with government regulatory requirements related to Extended Producer Responsibility and food processing.
  • Excellent understanding of packaging materials, equipment capabilities, and advanced testing methodologies.
  • Strong knowledge of food science and the impact of packaging on food quality.
  • Thorough understanding of end-of-life design requirements for recyclable packaging.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety principles, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.
  • In-depth knowledge of physical and structural package testing procedures.
  • Understanding of the current packaging regulatory landscape, including Extended Producer Responsibility laws.
  • Proven skill analyzing all aspects of new packaging systems.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong collaboration skills with the capacity to maintain effective cross-functional partnerships.
  • Effective negotiation skills for conflict resolution.
  • Experience supporting intellectual property development and exclusivity patents.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Physical Requirements
More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:
You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.
This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.
Number of Days in Office: 4
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MH1
#LI-MSL
Compensation
Pay Range:$109,000-$159,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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