ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Packaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$205K - $255K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Senior Staff to Principal Optical Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions. This senior role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Packaging Engineer Jobs

Principal Packaging Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal packaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal packaging engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Packaging Engineer job?

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 in the Principal Packaging Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Principal Packaging Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Packaging Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Packaging Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Packaging Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Packaging Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Packaging Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Packaging Engineer jobs are:
Principal Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Principal Engineer - Packaging Equipment

Principal Engineer - Packaging Equipment

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Omaha, NE • On-site, Remote

$109K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 396 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you will provide technical leadership to identify and develop strategies and projects that deliver the highest value business benefit to the company. You will work with cross functional teams to review requirements and develop optimized technical solutions that fit business needs. This is a Corporate Engineering role supporting manufacturing operations through innovation, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Identify, develop, rollout, and provide governance for key strategies and programs across the manufacturing platform
  • Use subject matter expertise, third party engineering partners, and original equipment manufacturers to develop labor reducing and cost saving automation projects
  • Stay current with industry regulations and codes related to packaging equipment system design and operations, and provide recommendations to improve programs, policies, and goals
  • Provide technical and economic feasibility analysis to support business initiatives that deliver competitive advantages
  • Develop Front End Loading packages that are complete, clear, and reflect due diligence to ensure project success, including:
    • Technology assessments and recommended solutions aligned to plant, company, and industry best practices
    • Physical location layouts and general arrangement drawings
    • Infrastructure requirements and needs assessments
    • Equipment acceptance criteria and support of testing and acceptance trials
    • Equipment and system performance criteria
    • Identification of alternatives, prerequisites, risks, and opportunities
  • Partner with engineering teams to establish cost, schedule, risk, and startup requirements for projects
  • Write detailed functional control descriptions for unit operations and processing systems
  • Perform reviews of Front End Loading packages or equivalent deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and operational effectiveness
  • Develop rough order of magnitude estimates to provide early business case direction
  • Troubleshoot and drive continuous improvement of existing packaging operations
  • Lead machine design improvements and equipment modifications
  • Conduct production plant site surveys and assessments, and provide support to sites as needed

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Packaging Engineering
  • 10 +years of experience in food manufacturing with packaging system design
  • Experience leading teams and solving complex technical challenges
  • Subject matter expertise in one or more areas of food production line packaging equipment
  • Experience with machine design and working in a United States Department of Agriculture or Food and Drug Administration regulated manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing automation and robotic solutions
  • Experience in project engineering and project execution
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement applications within engineering design
  • Experience translating project requirements into technical solutions through sound engineering principles
  • Strong experience in packaging equipment engineering and practical application
  • Willingness to travel up to 50 percent to support plant operations

#LI-Remote
#LI-PM2
#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.
Anticipated Close Date
July 29, 2026
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