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Packaging Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99/hr

MS/BS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical-Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or related fields Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Packaging, Innovation ...

Ferrero

Packaging Innovation Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99/hr

About You: • MS/BS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical-Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or related fields • Minimum of 3-5 years experience in ...

Shorr Packaging

Package Test Lab Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience * Minimum of 5+ years of packaging testing experience including team leadership responsibilities. * Prior ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL · On-site

$24K/mo

You will be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other related majors (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Engineering, etc.) during the ...

Kraft Heinz

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL

$24K/mo

You will be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other related majors (i.e., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Engineering, etc.) during the ...

Actalent

Packaging Designer

Elgin, IL

$85K - $105K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. * Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and ...

New

The Tassos Group LLC

Be Seen First

Graphics Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

Engineer and create, in a collaborative manner, packaging solutions and concepts for product offerings for all sales channels and on an as needed basis. Provide support as needed to any co-worker or ...

Ferrero

Packaging FSQ Auditor

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$96K - $154K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field (e.g., Chemical engineer) Lead Auditor certification in (FSSC, BRC-GS ; SQF) PCQI Certification Competencies: Capacity to deliver results ...

Ferrero

Packaging FSQ Auditor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$96K - $154K/yr

... Engineering or a related field (e.g., Chemical engineer) • Lead Auditor certification in (FSSC, BRC-GS ; SQF) • PCQI Certification Competencies: • Capacity to deliver results under minimal ...

Ferrero

Packaging FSQ Auditor

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$96K - $154K/yr

... Engineering or a related field (e.g., Chemical engineer) • Lead Auditor certification in (FSSC, BRC-GS ; SQF) • PCQI Certification Competencies: • Capacity to deliver results under minimal ...

Onin Staffing

Packaging Associate

Niles, IL

$16.25 - $17.25/hr

Packaging Associate Positions for Immediate Hire. Located in Niles, IL; 1st and 2nd shifts available Monday - Friday. Package and inspect collectible consumer products while meeting quality and ...

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Packaging Engineer information

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$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 Engineer, R&D - Thermoforms

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


Job Purpose
As the Rigid Thermoform Packaging Engineer, you will contribute technical expertise to help develop and advance rigid packaging material and format solutions for the North American portfolio. The objective of the role is to support development and validation of functional, cost-competitive rigid packaging solutions that meet sustainability requirements, while enabling innovation, compliance, and value engineering initiatives. You will collaborate with Innovation, Process, and Platform packaging teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate technical and sustainability requirements into commercially manufacturable solutions under the guidance of technical leadership.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Support execution of rigid packaging technical initiatives by completing assigned research, development, and validation workstreams that balance technology exploration with proof of concept needs.
  • Contribute to technical assessments and business case inputs for packaging technologies/applications by gathering data, summarizing learnings, and documenting technical risks and opportunities.
  • Support external collaboration activities across the value chain (e.g., resin, coating, material suppliers; universities; institutes; start-ups; open innovation networks; scouting partners, industry partnerships) by coordinating samples/trials, tracking actions, and documenting outcomes.
  • Apply enterprise standards and manufacturability considerations by following established guidance to ensure design decisions align with enterprise standards, manufacturability needs, sustainability needs, and platform direction.
  • Provide technical problem solving on rigid packaging projects by using structured troubleshooting, data analysis, and experimentation to resolve technical hurdles.
  • Apply Design of Experiments (DoE), statistics, and technical problem-solving practices to research, development, and validation work.
  • Support prototyping development for consumer testing and assist with pilot line setup and scale-up to industrial production as required to enable commercialization.
  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and capability building by documenting learnings, creating technical summaries, and supporting training content or informal coaching as needed.

Key Outputs & Deliverables
  • Contribute to execution of the rigid packaging technology strategy through technical work products (data packages, trial results, recommendations) that support sustainability, innovation, and value engineering initiatives.
  • Deliver technical workstreams for rigid packaging projects from concept through proof of concept and handover support, meeting committed timelines and technical performance targets for assigned responsibilities.
  • Support compliance with sustainability and regulatory requirements by incorporating requirements into experimental plans and design recommendations, including:
  • Minimizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fee impacts (as applicable to design choices)
  • Supporting designs that help avoid material bans and regulatory risks
  • Supporting recyclable, reusable, and compliant packaging formats aligned with enterprise sustainability goals and legislative requirements
  • Support delivery of packaging designs to Performance-Based Specifications (PBS) to meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred, or related discipline.
  • 6+ years of R&D packaging technology development, commercialization experience, with exposure to rigid plastic thermoform packaging and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred). Experience working at converter or upstream resin or technology provider ideal.
  • Working technical knowledge of materials (polymers, barriers and additives, etc.) and thermoforming plastics, understanding manufacturing constraints, including converting processes (e.g., lidding, molding, extrusion, form-fill-seal).
  • Demonstrated ability to support end-to-end development activities, including planning/performing experiments, documenting results, and coordinating with cross-functional partners.
  • Demonstrated capability of design of experiments and statistics and technical problem solving.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across functions and levels.
  • Working knowledge of project execution disciplines (e.g., task planning, risk identification, stakeholder updates) and comfort operating within PMO expectations/templates.
  • Exposure to sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industry standards and regulations.
  • Ability to support pilot line activities and scale-up to industrial production as required.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Work Environment & Schedule is position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center (Chicago, IL).
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but not limited to
  • Regular office work
  • Physical presence at labs and manufacturing sites (internal and external) to perform experimental and validation testing

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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