ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Packaging Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Packaging Engineer JobsPrincipal Packaging Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Principal Packaging Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.2K

$151.7K

$218.9K

How much do principal packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal packaging engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,100.00 and $178,200.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Principal Packaging Engineer job openings:

Principal Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Packaging Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,658 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Principal Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$109K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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 443 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 costreduced 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 crossfunctional 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, crossfunctional projects to deliver against platform and enterpriselevel 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 crossfunctional 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 endoflife design requirements for recyclable packaging.

  • Strong knowledge of food safety principles, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.

  • Indepth 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 crossfunctional 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 performrepetitive 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.

What Conagra Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Conagra Brands logo

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

FacebookTwitter

View All Conagra Brands Jobs

Apply