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Packaging Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Packaging Project Engineer is responsible for the execution of packaging system installations and capital projects as assigned by the Engineering Manager. This role leads packaging initiatives ...

Five years of project management and manufacturing engineering experience preferably in pharmaceutical, medical device, or related industry to include packaging, project management and/or maintenance ...

Five years of project management and manufacturing engineering experience preferably in pharmaceutical, medical device, or related industry to include packaging, project management and/or maintenance ...

As a Supply Chain & Packaging Project Engineer , you will lead strategic projects (OPTIMAP, OPTIPRO, Productivity initiatives) from concept to implementation, ensuring seamless operations and world ...

As a Supply Chain & Packaging Project Engineer, you will lead strategic projects (OPTIMAP, OPTIPRO, Productivity initiatives) from concept to implementation, ensuring seamless operations and world ...

As a Supply Chain & Packaging Project Engineer , you will lead strategic projects (OPTIMAP, OPTIPRO, Productivity initiatives) from concept to implementation, ensuring seamless operations and world ...

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Packaging Project Engineer information

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$19

$42

$67

How much do packaging project engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging project engineer 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 does a packaging project engineer do?

A Packaging Project Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing packaging solutions for products. They oversee the entire packaging process, from concept through production, ensuring that packaging meets quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, selecting appropriate materials, optimizing packaging for cost and sustainability, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during manufacturing. Packaging Project Engineers play a critical role in ensuring products are protected, efficiently shipped, and appealing to customers.

What are some common challenges packaging project engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Packaging Project Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging due to shifting priorities, tight timelines, and cross-functional coordination requirements. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with suppliers, production teams, and quality assurance is critical to ensure all specifications and deadlines are met. Leveraging project management tools and proactively identifying potential bottlenecks can help mitigate risks and keep projects on track. This highly collaborative environment also requires strong problem-solving skills to quickly resolve unexpected issues that arise during packaging development and implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging project engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Project Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, packaging materials, and project management, typically backed by a degree in engineering or packaging science. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing tools, and industry standards like ISTA or ISO certifications is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help manage cross-functional teams and drive project timelines. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet quality and safety standards.

What is the difference between Packaging Project Engineer vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging Project EngineerPackaging Engineer
ResponsibilitiesManages packaging projects, oversees development, and ensures timely deliveryDesigns and develops packaging solutions, focusing on product protection and efficiency
Required SkillsProject management, technical packaging knowledge, coordination skillsDesign skills, technical packaging expertise, problem-solving
CertificationsOften requires engineering or project management certificationsTypically requires engineering or packaging-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, project timelines, manufacturing settingsDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments

While both roles require technical packaging knowledge and engineering credentials, the Packaging Project Engineer focuses on managing packaging projects from conception to completion, coordinating teams and timelines. The Packaging Engineer primarily concentrates on designing and developing packaging solutions. Both roles are vital in the packaging industry and often overlap in skills and certifications.

More about Packaging Project Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Packaging Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,120 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Project Engineer - Packaging

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title: Project Engineer - Packaging
Location: Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Contract
Compensation: $50-60/hr
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set:

  • Engineering or Engineering Technology degree
  • 2+ years of relevant manufacturing or engineering experience
  • Hands-on production or packaging experience
  • Strong project coordination and Excel skills

Overview:

We are seeking a hands-on Packaging / Manufacturing Project Engineer to support packaging trials, production changes, equipment initiatives, and engineering projects within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role will work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, vendors, and original equipment manufacturers.
The ideal candidate is organized, technically curious, and comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor.

Job Duties:

  • Coordinate and support packaging trials, production runs, changeovers, and equipment initiatives.
  • Provide hands-on production-floor support, working directly with operators and plant teams.
  • Coordinate materials, samples, equipment support, vendors, and other trial requirements.
  • Collect and ship production and trial samples while maintaining accurate documentation.
  • Review production and trial data to evaluate performance and identify issues.
  • Coordinate activities across Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Procurement, and Logistics.
  • Track project schedules, requirements, action items, and follow-ups.
  • Update engineering documentation, standard operating procedures, Bills of Materials, and equipment records.
  • Support packaging equipment, labeling, vision-system, troubleshooting, and equipment improvement activities.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Packaging, Manufacturing Technology, or related field.
  • 2–7 years of experience in manufacturing, packaging, project, process, or plant engineering preferred.
  • Experience in a manufacturing or production environment; packaging experience strongly preferred.
  • Comfortable working extensively on the manufacturing floor.
  • Strong project coordination, organization, documentation, and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze production data and manage multiple priorities independently.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
  • Food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or other high-volume manufacturing experience preferred.


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.


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