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Professional Packaging Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

The Hopewell Brewing Company is in need of an experienced craft beer packaging professional. This position will work closely with the entire brewery production team, and will report to the Brewmaster ...

Packaging Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Minimum 2 years of professional experience in packaging design and engineering, food and beverage packaging, or manufacturing environment * Proficiency in Eng View and AutoCAD for 3D and 2D modeling ...

We have a current opening for a Packaging Innovation Specialist and are actively reviewing ... professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is ...

We have a current opening for a Packaging Innovation Specialist and are actively reviewing ... professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is ...

Packaging Logistics Specialist YOUR SKILLS: * Very good knowledge of material flow, packaging and ... Professional acumen. * Willing to travel domestically and internationally. * Good communication and ...

We have a current opening for a Packaging Innovation Specialist and are actively reviewing ... professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is ...

Packaging Engineer COOP Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are ... On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals * Continuous development opportunities, and ...

Packaging Engineer COOP Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are ... On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals * Continuous development opportunities, and ...

We're committed to building collaborative teams where employees can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact for our members. Responsibilities Packaging Project Management * Initiate ...

We're committed to building collaborative teams where employees can grow professionally while ... Responsibilities Packaging Project Management * Initiate packaging projects and ensure project ...

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Professional Packaging information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$62.9K

$94.3K

How much do professional packaging jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional packaging in Chicago, IL is $62,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $72,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional packaging specialist?

A professional packaging specialist is an expert responsible for designing, developing, and implementing packaging solutions for products. They ensure that items are protected during transportation and storage, comply with regulations, and appeal to consumers through effective design. Their work often involves selecting appropriate materials, optimizing costs, and collaborating with manufacturers, designers, and logistics teams. Professional packaging specialists play a crucial role in enhancing product presentation, safety, and sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional packaging specialist?

To thrive as a Professional Packaging Specialist, you need knowledge of packaging materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in packaging engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging machinery, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of efficient, cost-effective, and safe packaging solutions that meet industry standards and client needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in the packaging industry, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in the packaging industry often encounter challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, ensuring compliance with safety and sustainability regulations, and adapting to rapidly changing design requirements. To effectively manage these challenges, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive communication with cross-functional teams like design, logistics, and quality control are essential. Embracing continuous learning about new materials and technologies can also help professionals stay competitive and deliver innovative packaging solutions.

What is the difference between Professional Packaging vs Packaging Technician?

AspectProfessional PackagingPackaging Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in packaging or related fields, sometimes a degree in packaging technologyOften requires technical training or certification in packaging machinery and processes
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, design labs, or client sites; focus on packaging design and process optimizationManufacturing plants, warehouses; focus on packaging line operation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsagePackaging companies, manufacturing firms, product design firmsFactories, distribution centers, logistics companies

Professional Packaging involves designing and developing packaging solutions, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Packaging Technicians focus on operating and maintaining packaging machinery on the production floor. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

How much do you get paid for professional packaging?

The average pay for a professional packaging worker typically ranges from $10 to $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the packaging tasks. Entry-level positions may start at the minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Some roles may also offer overtime pay or bonuses based on productivity.

What types of companies hire professional packagers?

Professional packagers are hired by a variety of companies including manufacturing firms, e-commerce businesses, food producers, and retail companies. These companies require packaging for products, often seeking workers skilled in handling packaging materials, operating packing equipment, and ensuring product safety during transit.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Professional Packaging job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,865 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Packaging Engineer - Food, Nutrition & Consumer Products

Melaleuca: The Wellness Company

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Packaging Engineer – Food, Nutrition & Consumer Products

Idaho Falls, Idaho | Onsite | Relocation Assistance Available


An Award-Winning Company. An Extraordinary Place to Build What's Next.

  • #2 Best Brand for Value in America — Forbes
  • 4X Forbes America's Best Midsize Employer
  • TIME Magazine America's Best Midsize Companies
  • USA TODAY America's Most Trusted Brands and America's Best Stores


For more than 40 years, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company has been guided by a simple mission: “To Enhance the Lives of Those We Touch by Helping People Reach Their Goals.” Long before better-for-you products, naturally derived ingredients, and environmental responsibility became mainstream consumer trends, Melaleuca was building products around these principles.


Today, we're a global health and wellness company with more than $2 billion in annual sales, more than 400 products, and thousands of Team Members worldwide. Our products span nutrition, food and healthy snacking, dietary supplements, personal care, beauty, and home care and reach consumers in markets around the world.


And we've built it from a place that's every bit as distinctive as the company itself.


Our Global Headquarters is in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West and within easy reach of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. People travel from around the world to experience this remarkable part of the country. Here, you have the opportunity to call it home.


We're looking for a Packaging Engineer with 3+ years of consumer products packaging experience who's ready for an opportunity that's different from the typical next step at a large CPG company.


Do More With Your Packaging Career

Approximately 75% of this role will support food, nutrition, and dietary supplement products, with the balance primarily focused on personal care and other consumer products.


You'll join a relatively small Packaging team with responsibility across a diverse product portfolio. Rather than owning one narrow piece of the process, you'll work across packaging materials, formats, and the development lifecycle—from concepts and prototypes through testing,

qualification, line trials, commercialization, and production troubleshooting.


You'll partner closely with R&D, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and external suppliers. For an engineer with a strong technical foundation who's ready for the next step, this role offers breadth, visibility, meaningful ownership, and the opportunity to see your work reach consumers around the world.


What You'll Do

  • Develop and qualify packaging solutions for new and existing products, particularly in food, nutrition, and dietary supplements.
  • Recommend packaging materials, components, and configurations based on product requirements, package performance, manufacturing capabilities, cost, and consumer needs.
  • Partner with R&D, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers to move packaging from development through commercialization.
  • Plan and support packaging testing, production line trials, qualifications, and troubleshooting of packaging-related manufacturing issues.
  • Develop and maintain packaging specifications and evaluate components, prototypes, technical drawings, and competitive packaging.
  • Conduct and document packaging studies, including compatibility, functionality, dimensional, and weight-loss testing.
  • Work directly with suppliers to evaluate new materials, components, technologies, and prototypes.
  • Serve as a packaging subject-matter expert on cross-functional product development teams supporting domestic and international products.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Packaging Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • 3+ years of professional packaging experience in consumer products.
  • Hands-on experience developing, testing, qualifying, commercializing, or troubleshooting consumer packaging.
  • Strong analytical, technical problem-solving, project management, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across technical, manufacturing, commercial, and supplier teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of ownership and attention to detail.


Experience in food, beverage, nutrition, dietary supplements, personal care, or other CPG categories is especially valuable. Familiarity with packaging testing, ASTM/ISTA standards, GMP environments, packaging test equipment, or basic statistical analysis is a plus.


Why Melaleuca

Broad Packaging Experience You'll work across food, nutrition, dietary supplements, personal care, beauty, home care, and other consumer products, gaining experience with a wide range of materials, formats, manufacturing processes, and technical challenges.


Meaningful Ownership

Our Packaging team is relatively small, so your work will be visible. You'll work directly with the people developing, manufacturing, and commercializing our products and see projects move from concept to production and ultimately to consumers.


A Company Built Around Better Choices

Melaleuca was building around health, wellness, naturally derived ingredients, and smarter choices long before those ideas became mainstream CPG trends. That heritage continues to shape the products we develop today.


Exceptional Benefits and Quality of Life

Melaleuca offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including a longevity bonus, along with on-site amenities such as a fitness center, concierge services, and employee restaurant.


And in Idaho Falls, you can build a world-class career while enjoying the lifestyle that comes with living in the Rocky Mountain West. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are nearby, with outstanding skiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and other outdoor recreation close to home.


Relocation assistance is available.

If you've built a strong foundation in consumer packaging and are ready for broader experience, greater ownership, and the opportunity to make a visible impact, we'd like to hear from you.


This position is based onsite at Melaleuca's Global Headquarters in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Candidates must be willing to work onsite and relocate to the area.