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Technical Packaging Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$64K - $95K/yr

Support technical projects with guidance from senior-level engineers. * Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology. * Provide ...

Conagra Brands

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $95K/yr

Support technical projects with guidance from seniorlevel engineers. * Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology. * Provide ...

CONAGRA

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Support technical projects with guidance from senior‑level engineers. * Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology. * Provide ...

TricorBraun

Supply Chain Manager, Packaging

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

Through strategic supplier engagement, technical packaging expertise, and data-driven decision-making, this role supports customer success while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Kraft/Heinz

Senior Manager - Materials R&D

Chicago, IL

$114K - $157K/yr

The ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strong sustainability knowledge and proven experience managing complex projects and technical teams. Essential Functions ...

Kraft/Heinz

Senior Manager - Materials R&D

Chicago, IL

$111K - $153K/yr

The ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strong sustainability knowledge and proven experience managing complex projects and technical teams. Essential Functions ...

Kraft/Heinz

Senior Manager - Materials R&D

Skokie, IL

$108K - $149K/yr

The ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strong sustainability knowledge and proven experience managing complex projects and technical teams. Essential Functions ...

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All JobsTechnical Packaging JobsTechnical Packaging Jobs in Chicago, IL

Technical Packaging information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$161.1K

$212.2K

How much do technical packaging jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical packaging in Chicago, IL is $161,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $211,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is technical packaging?

Technical packaging refers to the specialized design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions that protect products during storage, transportation, and handling. This field combines engineering principles, materials science, and regulatory knowledge to ensure packaging meets safety, sustainability, and performance requirements. Professionals in technical packaging work to optimize packaging for cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental impact, while also ensuring compliance with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Technical Packaging Specialist, you need a solid background in packaging engineering, materials science, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards such as ISTA or ISO is typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in cross-functional teams and client interactions. These skills are crucial to ensure innovative, cost-effective, and compliant packaging solutions that protect products and meet business objectives.

How does a technical packaging professional typically collaborate with product development and manufacturing teams?

Technical Packaging professionals play a key role in bridging the gap between product development and manufacturing by ensuring that packaging designs meet both functional and production requirements. They work closely with product developers to understand the specific needs of the product, such as protection, shelf life, and branding, and then collaborate with manufacturing teams to select materials and processes that are cost-effective and scalable. Regular meetings, cross-functional project teams, and hands-on testing are common, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Technical Packaging vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectTechnical PackagingPackaging Engineer
CredentialsTechnical certifications, technical degreesEngineering degrees, certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production lines, technical supportDesign labs, R&D, product development
Industry UsageManufacturing companies, packaging suppliersConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food industries
Job FocusTechnical support, troubleshooting, process optimizationDesign, development, testing of packaging solutions

Technical Packaging roles focus on technical support, process optimization, and troubleshooting within manufacturing environments. Packaging Engineers are more involved in designing and developing packaging solutions. Both roles require technical knowledge and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What do technical packaging technicians do?

Technical packaging technicians are responsible for developing, testing, and ensuring the quality of packaging materials and processes. They often work with manufacturing equipment, follow safety protocols, and may use tools like CAD software or testing instruments to optimize packaging solutions. Their role supports product protection, compliance, and efficiency in packaging operations.

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

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

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

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

Technical Packaging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Packaging job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,061 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Manager, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


Manager, R&D - Packaging Development
Job Description
This role leads packaging development for the Away From Home business, shaping practical, effective packaging solutions that balance technical rigor, business needs, and operational feasibility. It is a managerial and technical role within Research & Development Packaging, with direct leadership responsibility for packaging developers and potential oversight of contractors.
The person in this role will be responsible for developing and executing work plans, driving results across a range of initiatives, and leading packaging development from concept through commercialization. Success requires strong technical depth, sound judgment, and the ability to translate scientific learning and statistical analysis into practical business solutions.
This role operates in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and calls for strong communication, teamwork, and people leadership. The candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities with minimal guidance, solve technical packaging challenges, and lead with a collaborative, results-oriented mindset.
Key Components of the role
  • Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors

  • Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems to deliver short- and long-term business objectives

  • Manage technical timelines, communicate progress clearly, escalate risks, and develop contingency plans using strong project management discipline

  • Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges that meet both operational and customer requirements

  • Ensure packaging solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, particularly in foodservice formats

  • Lead and/or support developers who are leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across lab and production environments

  • Manage and develop junior team members through development plans, workload balancing, and team effectiveness

  • Influence project direction in collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners

  • Understand and be fluent in day-to-day commercialization systems, routines and ways of working

  • Translate research findings and test results into clear business implications, including the "why" behind recommendations and the expected impact

Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

  • Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant packaging development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or related industry; or master's degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and motivate others

  • Prior people management experience preferred

  • Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects

  • Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods

  • Excellent communication, influencing, critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills

  • Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize effectively

  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments and statistical analysis

  • Willingness to travel up to 30%

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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