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Product Packaging Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Brand Packaging Coordinator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$33.66 - $38.47/hr

... such as Engineering, Label Compliance, and Translation and other internal stakeholders as ... Participate in the development of product packaging design from creative briefs through production ...

Product Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Product Engineer researches, plans, and designs mechanical and electromechanical products and ... We offer a secure work environment with a comprehensive benefits package that includes major ...

... through production implementation. This role is focused on project management, execution ... Project coordination across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance, supply ...

About the Role REHAU is seeking a Product Development Engineer to join our Water Technologies ... Compensation & Benefits REHAU Water Technologies offers a competitive total rewards package ...

... engineering. * Assist on equipment installations within the plant structure. Complete work orders ... Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards. This includes inspection for quality ...

Showing results 21-40

Product Packaging Engineer information

What does a product packaging engineer do?

A Product Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing packaging solutions for products to ensure they are protected, cost-effective, and appealing to consumers. They work closely with product designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to select materials, create prototypes, and address issues like sustainability, transportation, and compliance with regulations. Their goal is to optimize packaging for safety, efficiency, and environmental impact while meeting the needs of both the company and its customers.

What are some common challenges product packaging engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Product Packaging Engineers often work closely with teams in manufacturing, marketing, procurement, and design. One common challenge is balancing the technical requirements for product protection and regulatory compliance with cost constraints and marketing's desire for appealing aesthetics. Effective communication and project management skills are essential for resolving conflicting priorities and ensuring packaging solutions meet all stakeholder needs. Building strong relationships and maintaining open dialogue with other teams helps streamline the development process and achieve successful outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Product Packaging Engineer, you need expertise in materials science, packaging design, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in packaging engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards like ISTA or ASTM certifications is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing client requirements. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet both regulatory and customer needs.

What is the difference between Product Packaging Engineer vs Packaging Designer?

AspectProduct Packaging EngineerPackaging Designer
CredentialsBachelor's in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)Design or Graphic Design degree; portfolio of packaging designs
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, quality assuranceDesign studios, creative agencies, marketing departments
Industry UsageConsumer goods, electronics, pharmaceuticalsConsumer products, branding, marketing
Primary FocusDeveloping functional, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutionsCreating visually appealing and innovative packaging designs

The main difference between a Product Packaging Engineer and a Packaging Designer lies in their focus and responsibilities. The engineer concentrates on the technical, functional, and manufacturing aspects of packaging, ensuring durability, compliance, and cost-efficiency. In contrast, the designer emphasizes aesthetics and branding, creating visually compelling packaging concepts. Both roles often collaborate to produce packaging that is both attractive and practical.

Are product packaging engineers in demand?

Product packaging engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions across industries such as consumer goods, food, and pharmaceuticals. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of materials, design software, and industry standards, with job growth driven by e-commerce expansion and environmental regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Product Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Product Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Product Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Product Packaging Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Packaging Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Foods Packaging Senior Principal Engineer

PepsiCo

South Chesterfield, VA

$123K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 899 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Overview

Packaging R&D Senior Principal Engineer to lead the PepsiCo Foods North America - Sabra business packaging agenda, utilizing technical expertise and leadership to ensure continued growth and profitability through new consumer propositions and maintenance of existing portfolio focused on packaging innovation, sustainability, quality and cost. Role is based at Sabra’s Chesterfield Virginia facility and reports into Pepsico’s Global Foods Packaging team.


Responsibilities
  • Develop short and long term strategies to optimize and transform packaging for improved consumer experiences, elevated brand distinction on shelf, enhanced ease of use, improved freshness, and/or improved sustainability.
  • Work closely with Marketing, Design, Finance, Supply Chain, and Procurement to create new business propositions that are desirable, feasible, and viable to grow and evolve the business.
  • Represent Packaging function in business leadership meetings with accountability for setting agenda, results and strategy within packaging for the business unit.
  • Lead a team of 1-2 packaging associates to manage and prioritize packaging activities to deliver business innovation, sustainability and productivity agenda.
  • Leverage sound technical knowledge in Foods Packaging Materials and Manufacturing Technologies to positively influence business agenda as Packaging Subject Matter Expert. 
  • Influence adoption and implementation of packaging sustainability advances and enable progress towards Pepsico external packaging commitments.  Assure high level of awareness, understanding and knowledge of sustainability design principles across business partners.
  • Model Packaging R&D competencies and actively coach team to continuously build and grow individually and as a team, driving an inclusive and learning culture.  Actively identify and solve for capability and capacity gaps through efficient use of internal and external resources.
  • Build internal and external networks and collaborations to best leverage available resources and knowledge
  • Partner with Food Safety Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Legal functions to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies associated with packaging materials and processes.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $123,500 - $206,750.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

Education (Required)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience

  • Minimum of 10+ years Foods or Beverage Packaging experience preferably in an R&D environment.
  • Demonstrated mastery of packaging materials, polymer science, packaging equipment technologies, business/financial analysis capabilities, effective communicator and influencer. 
  • Rigid plastic packaging (PET, HDPE, Polypropylene) experience highly preferred
  • Strong leadership skills demonstrating strategic thinking, clear setting of agenda and proven track record of people development.
  • Strong project management skills in developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touch points.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and persuasion skills.
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and technical ability with excellent presentation skills.
  • Experience in the development and execution of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials and have knowledge of the interrelationship with equipment.
  • Experience with technical stage gate process, ability to create package development plans, manage timelines and budgets across all projects.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced and consumer driven environment.
  • Effective in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Self-starter able to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 10%, with occasional international travel as required.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States


EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

Qualifications:

Education (Required)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience

  • Minimum of 10+ years Foods or Beverage Packaging experience preferably in an R&D environment.
  • Demonstrated mastery of packaging materials, polymer science, packaging equipment technologies, business/financial analysis capabilities, effective communicator and influencer. 
  • Rigid plastic packaging (PET, HDPE, Polypropylene) experience highly preferred
  • Strong leadership skills demonstrating strategic thinking, clear setting of agenda and proven track record of people development.
  • Strong project management skills in developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touch points.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and persuasion skills.
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and technical ability with excellent presentation skills.
  • Experience in the development and execution of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials and have knowledge of the interrelationship with equipment.
  • Experience with technical stage gate process, ability to create package development plans, manage timelines and budgets across all projects.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced and consumer driven environment.
  • Effective in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Self-starter able to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 10%, with occasional international travel as required.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965