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Principal Packaging Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CONAGRA

Principal Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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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Principal Packaging Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$71.7K

$142.7K

$205.9K

How much do principal packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal packaging engineer in Illinois is $142,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,800.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal packaging engineer?

A Principal Packaging Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing packaging solutions for products. They ensure packaging meets functional, cost, and sustainability requirements while complying with industry regulations. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, and regulatory teams to improve packaging performance and efficiency. Principal Packaging Engineers also lead innovation initiatives, troubleshoot issues, and implement new technologies to enhance packaging design and reduce environmental impact.

What are the typical responsibilities of a principal packaging engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Principal Packaging Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions for new and existing products. This includes collaborating closely with R&D, quality assurance, supply chain, and production teams to ensure packaging meets performance, safety, and sustainability standards. You may also oversee testing, validation, and process improvements, as well as mentor junior engineers and participate in supplier evaluations. These responsibilities are critical for ensuring product integrity, customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry regulations while driving cost-efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal packaging engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Packaging Engineer, you need deep expertise in packaging design, materials science, regulatory compliance, and project management, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with CAD software, packaging testing protocols, and knowledge of industry standards (such as ISTA or ISO) are highly valuable, along with relevant certifications like Six Sigma or PMP. Exceptional problem-solving ability, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills help you influence teams and manage complex projects. These capabilities are crucial for developing innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet business objectives and regulatory requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Principal Packaging Engineer job openings:

Principal Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Packaging Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,660 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Principal Packaging Engineer

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

Round Lake, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Hi,

My name is Karthik Mutyala, from Stark Pharma Solutions Inc, we are hiring talents for our client. I am working on Principal Packaging Engineer right now. Please send me your updated resume if you have relevant experience and interested in this position. The detailed job description is as follows

Position: Principal Packaging Engineer

Location: Round Lake, IL (Onsite – Remote up to 2 days/week)
Duration: 12-Month Contract
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
 

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Packaging Engineer to support pharmaceutical packaging engineering initiatives within an R&D environment. This role focuses on sustaining engineering, packaging optimization, regulatory compliance, cost savings, and new product introductions while collaborating with manufacturing and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead packaging engineering projects supporting CAPA, regulatory compliance, supplier changes, cost savings, and new product introductions (NPI).
  • Develop and execute packaging verification protocols, change controls, and qualification activities.
  • Design, evaluate, and improve packaging materials and processes to enhance quality, performance, and cost efficiency.
  • Create packaging specifications, technical drawings, and supporting documentation.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and suppliers to implement packaging solutions.
  • Troubleshoot packaging issues using DMAIC, statistical analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Support packaging process validation and manufacturing implementation at domestic and international sites.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of packaging engineering experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, or regulated manufacturing industry.
  • Strong knowledge of packaging materials and processes, including flexible packaging, thermoforming, flow-wrap, form/fill/seal, corrugated packaging, and printing technologies.
  • Experience with change control, packaging validation, DOE, statistical analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple packaging projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong communication, technical documentation, and project management skills.

I am actively connecting with professionals for current and upcoming opportunities. If you are open to exploring new roles or would like to stay informed about relevant positions, please send me your updated resume along with the best number and time to reach you.  

Please follow Stark Pharma Solutions on LinkedIn for the latest job updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99455976/

Thank you,

Karthik Mutyala

Recruiting Manager

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

Email: karthik@starkpharma.com

15 Corporate Place S, Suite 350,

Piscataway, New Jersey 08854

www.starkpharma.com