1

Research Development Packaging Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$28.85/hr

Internship - Research & Development Packaging Engineer General Mills makes food the world loves ... S. in Packaging Science/Engineering or Material Science/Engineering or related degree * Graduating ...

R&D Packaging Engineer

Belcamp, MD · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

Description Job Title: R&D Packaging Engineer Department: Innovation Technology Reports To: R&D Lab Manager -Product Compliance Manager FLSA Status: Exempt Travel: 5-10% Job Summary The Research ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Development Packaging Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do research development packaging scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development packaging scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development packaging scientist do?

A Research Development Packaging Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and testing packaging solutions for products, ensuring they are safe, effective, and meet regulatory requirements. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate packaging that preserves product quality, enhances user experience, and supports sustainability initiatives. Their work involves research, material selection, prototyping, and performance testing to optimize packaging for manufacturing and distribution. Additionally, they stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to improve packaging processes and outcomes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a research development packaging scientist?

To excel as a Research Development Packaging Scientist, you need a background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with packaging design software, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory standards such as FDA or ISO is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure the creation of innovative, safe, and cost-effective packaging solutions that meet product requirements and industry regulations.

How does a research development packaging scientist collaborate with other departments during product development?

As a Research Development Packaging Scientist, you'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, procurement, and manufacturing. Your role involves ensuring that packaging designs meet both functional and aesthetic requirements, are cost-effective, and comply with regulatory standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll often need to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders and troubleshoot challenges that arise during testing and scale-up. This collaborative environment not only enhances innovation but also provides valuable learning opportunities from different perspectives within the organization.

What is the difference between Research Development Packaging Scientist vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectResearch Development Packaging ScientistPackaging Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Packaging, Chemistry, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, testing labsManufacturing plants, design labs, production lines
Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, foodDesign and optimize packaging for production and distribution

The Research Development Packaging Scientist primarily focuses on developing new packaging materials and testing innovative solutions in laboratory settings. In contrast, Packaging Engineers apply engineering principles to design, implement, and improve packaging systems for manufacturing and distribution. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Packaging Scientist jobs?

For Research Development Packaging Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Development Packaging Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Internship - Research & Development Packaging Engineer

General Mills
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$28.85/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design packaging solutions to meet consumer and business needs, including shelf impact, functionality, and end-of-life circularity

  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to understand customer insights, improve packaging processes, and identify new capabilities

  • Create, improve, or eliminate waste from packaging and processes through technical and digital tools


General Mills rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

Internship - Research & Development Packaging Engineer

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, includingCheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026net sales U.S.$18billion.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AT GENERAL MILLS?

The General Mills Research & Development Internship is a great way to kick-off your career. You will build broad experience in technical foundations, functional depth, and professional development. You'll develop and enhance your digital skills, gaining experience in data analysis, project management, and/or collaboration tools. The internship allows candidates to demonstrate leadership, embrace a learning mindset, build a strong network of peers, develop business context, and learn the General Mills and Innovation, Technology & Quality (ITQ) culture.

WHAT WILL I DO?

As an R&D Packaging Engineer Intern, you will experience a robust 10-week internship with hopes that you’ll roll into our full-time R&D Leadership Development Program upon graduation. During your internship you will:

  • Design packaging solutions to deliver on all moments of truth including remarkability at shelf, consumer functionality at the point of use, and end of life circularity
  • Partner with business and Sales to understand and apply consumer insights and address customer needs
  • Create new, improve existing, and eliminate waste from packaging and processes
  • Collaborate with cross-functional internal partners to build and grow our businesses
  • Engage external partners around the world to increase efficiency and to identify new capabilities
  • Interact with consumers and customers to develop meaningful insights and translate them into concepts, prototypes, and commercial offerings
  • Develop technical depth and business acumen
  • Apply or build digital tools to accelerate learning.
  • Solve technical problems leveraging new or existing digital tools.
  • Impact people’s lives and communities around the world

WHERE WILL I WORK?

James Ford Bell Technical Center in Minneapolis, MN

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications :

  • Pursuing a B.S. in Packaging Science/Engineering or Material Science/Engineering or related degree
  • Graduating in Winter 202 7 or Spring 202 8

Preferred Qualifications :

  • Strong academic record
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
  • Adaptability, curiosity, and inventiveness
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, passion for R&D, enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in academic projects, extracurricular activities, or previous work experiences

HUNGRY FORWHAT’S NEXT?

  • I nternship is 10-weeks in Summer 2027
  • Relocation assistance (if eligible)

The hourly rate for this position is $28.85/hour. General Mills strives to provide fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, and academic background. The pay for this role considers many factors, including, but not limited to, your degree program, major, and year in school. Beyond a competitive hourly rate, as a General Mills intern, you'll gain access to a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall development and wellbeing. This includes partially subsidized housing & relocation assistance (if applicable & requirements are met), a summer of learning and fun featuring networking opportunities with company leaders, comprehensive health benefits, wellbeing resources, and other valuable perks . Specific benefits may vary by role, location, and eligibility requirements.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION REQUEST

If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request .


What General Mills employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Mills logo

About General Mills

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Mills, Inc. manufactures some of the most beloved foods in the world, including Cheerios and Lucky Charms, Nature Valley granola bars, Totino's pizza rolls, and Yoplait yogurt. Blue Buffalo became part of General Mills in 2018, so even your pets love us too.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1928