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Packaging Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent ...

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent ...

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This initial project engagement is for 4 to ...

Packaging Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Collaborate with Research & Development, Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Technical Service teams to commercialize new closures, materials, and packaging technologies * Support packaging ...

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This initial project engagement is for 4 to ...

Collaborate with Research & Development, Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Technical Service teams to commercialize new closures, materials, and packaging technologies * Support packaging ...

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This initial project engagement is for 4 to ...

This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance. This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field * 5-10 years of experience in medical device packaging engineering * Strong expertise in packaging design and sterile barrier systems * Hands-on ...

Packaging Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$34 - $50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering . * 2+ years of professional experience; 3+ years preferred in design or packaging engineering . * Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes , supplier ...

Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering on equipment setup, qualification, and optimization * Support CAPEX projects involving new or upgraded packaging equipment (e.g., labelers ...

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Packaging Engineering information

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$19

$42

$67

How much do packaging engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineering in the United States is $42.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 engineering principles, materials science, and packaging design, usually supported by a degree in packaging engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, packaging simulation tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate solutions. These skills ensure product safety, cost efficiency, and compliance throughout the packaging lifecycle.

What are some common challenges packaging engineers face when balancing sustainability with cost and functionality?

Packaging engineers often encounter the challenge of designing solutions that are environmentally friendly while still being cost-effective and meeting product protection requirements. Sustainable materials can sometimes be more expensive or less readily available, and may require adjustments in manufacturing processes. Additionally, engineers must ensure that the chosen packaging maintains product integrity during shipping and storage. Collaboration with suppliers, marketing, and manufacturing teams is essential to find a balance that aligns with company goals and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Packaging Engineering vs Packaging Technician?

AspectPackaging EngineeringPackaging Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of packaging solutionsImplementing and troubleshooting packaging processes
Industry UsageDesigning new packaging systems for productsMaintaining and operating packaging equipment
Common Search IntentUnderstanding roles in packaging design and developmentLearning about packaging process support and technical tasks

Packaging Engineering focuses on designing and developing packaging solutions, requiring engineering knowledge and design skills. Packaging Technicians support these systems by implementing and maintaining packaging processes, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is packaging engineering?

Packaging engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of packaging for products. Packaging engineers work to ensure that products are protected, preserved, and presented in a way that is efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. They consider factors such as materials, manufacturing processes, safety regulations, and environmental impact. This role often involves collaboration with product designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to create packaging solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
More about Packaging Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Packaging Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Packaging Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Packaging Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Packaging Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Packaging Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Packaging Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,120 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Packaging Engineer

Contractor, Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Adept Group offers an award-winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners. Our technically gifted team collaborates to produce unparalleled results.
 
We offer a great place to showcase your expertise and build upon your skillset. All while having fun with amazing people from a variety of diverse backgrounds. We’re driven, inspirational and most importantly, human.
 
We offer a flexible, creative culture focusing on 3 pillars - our environment, our communities, and our health and well-being. Join a team committed to building a sustainable future!
 
The Opportunity
 
Adept Group is seeking a Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) to add to our team! This candidate would be responsible for leading packaging compliance audits, technical assessments, and validation activities within a distribution center, warehouse and retail supply chain environment. Working under the direction of the Program Manager or Senior Packaging Engineer, this role combines field execution, engineering analysis, compliance validation, team supervision, and recommendation development to ensure packaging systems meet operational, safety, and retailer requirements.
Packaging Engineers will perform all activities that may be conducted by Technicians and Inspectors while also directing, supervising, training and validating the work performed by those resources. The Packaging Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for audit execution, compliance interpretation, risk assessment, engineering review, issue escalation, and final disposition of findings. This position requires a strong foundation in packaging engineering principles, supply chain operations, packaging materials, and distribution performance.
 
This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 4 to 6 months at 40 hours per week. First and second shift opportunities available.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Direct and supervise daily activities of assigned Tecnicians and Inspectors.
  • Train field personnel on audit protocols, measurement methods, documentation requirements, and safety procedures.
  • Review and validate all audit data collected by Technicians and Inspectors.
  • Ensure consistency, accuracy and completeness of field audit execution.
  • Assign daily workloads and audit priorities based on program objectives.
  • Perform quality reviews of completed inspections and compliance assessments.
  • Provide real-time technical support and issue resolution during audit execution.
  • Escalate critical findings, compliance gaps, and operational risks to project leadership and client stakeholders.
  • Validate audit conclusions and approve final findings prior to reporting.
  • Mentor junior engineers, interns, co-op students, technicians and inspectors participating in the engagement.
Typical Day to Day: 
  • Lead physical packaging audits and compliance assessments across distribution center and warehouse operations.
  • Supervise Technicians and Inspectors during field execution activities.
  • Execute physical inspections, measurements, testing, photography, and audit documentation activities.
  • Review packaging specifications, drawings, testing reports, Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), and qualification documentation.
  • Evaluate packaging compliance against retailer, customer, regulatory and operational requirements.
  • Assess pallet stability, stretch wrap performance, label placement, barcode readability, packaging dimensions, and automated handling compatibility.
  • Analyze audit findings and identify compliance gaps, operational risks, and improvement opportunities. 
  • Perform engineering reviews of packaging systems, materials, and supply chain performance.
  • Support root cause investigations and corrective action development when required.
  • Develop technical recommendations to improve compliance, performance, quality, cost, and operational efficiency.
  • Prepare audit reports, engineering assessments, presentations, and client deliverables.
  • Participate in customer meetings and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Maintain adherence to all safety, quality, and operational requirements while working in active warehouse and manufacturing environments.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Packaging, Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
  • 1 to 5 years of relevant experience
  • Co-op, internship, or working experience in packaging, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, food, beverage, consumer products, or retail operations.
  • Understanding of packaging materials, distribution environments, and packaging testing fundamentals.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and technical reporting tools.
Additional Preferred Skills
  • Experience within CPG, food and beverage, retail, consumer products, industrial products, or packaging manufacturing industries.
  • Experience with corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, rigid plastics, pallets, stretch wrap, labels, and distribution packaging systems.
  • Familiarity with retailer packaging requirements and supply chain compliance programs.
  • Experience conducting packaging audits, warehouse evaluations, quality inspections, or compliance assessments.
  • Knowledge of ISTA testing, ASTM standards, packaging qualification programs, and distribution performance evaluations.
  • Experience working within manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, or retail supply chains.
  • Supervising team members
Disclaimer:
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholding, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.
 
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.