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Technical Packaging Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

New

Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, sound scientific judgment, and a track record of independently driving packaging work plans to deliver results. This includes understanding business ...

Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, sound scientific judgment, and a track record of independently driving packaging work plans to deliver results. This includes understanding business ...

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Glencoe, IL

$118K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Chicago, IL

$110K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Chicago, IL

$114K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Wheeling, IL

$117K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Chicago, IL

$111K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Senior Manager - Materials R&D

Des Plaines, IL

$110K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

New

Senior Manager - Materials R&D

Glenview, IL

$111K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

New

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Glenview, IL

$111K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Niles, IL

$113K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

Chicago, IL

$113K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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Showing results 1-20

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 14, 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.

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 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.

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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Technical Packaging job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,061 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$64K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will identify, develop, and commercialize new, improved, and costreduced packaging initiatives for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, you will work across multiple packaging formats while supporting packagingdriven projects, plant startups, and capacity expansions. You will perform handson package testing and prototyping in stateoftheart laboratories and pilot plants, owning assigned brands and spaces while collaborating with internal and external partners.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

  • Independently lead the technical delivery of multiple standard packaging projects.

  • 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 support to designated business groups to resolve packagingrelated issues.

  • Work directly with business partners including Brand, Finance, Product Development, and Quality on assigned brands.

  • Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials; prepare written and oral technical reports with minimal supervision.

  • Interpret, develop, and issue technical packaging specifications.

  • Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments within the packaging industry.

  • Participate in brainstorming and informationgathering efforts to support the resource planning process.

  • Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas.

  • Maintain strong communication on projects with internal and external crossfunctional teams.

  • Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of the team.

  • Understand project tasks and how they impact project budgets.

  • Contribute as needed on crossfunctional teams.

  • Acquire working knowledge of packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field.

  • 3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.

  • Additional packaging internship or cooperative experience.

  • Solid understanding of packaging material capabilities and packaging equipment.

  • Knowledge of packaging test methodology.

  • Strong collaboration skills with a focus on crossfunctional partnerships.

  • Strong analytical and logical problemsolving skills.

  • Developing troubleshooting skills with comfort responding in dynamic situations.

  • Understanding of business principles.

  • Financial understanding to support profitability optimization.

  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:
You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require handeye coordination.
You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.
This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Number of Days in Office: 4

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-MH1

#LI-Associate

Compensation

Pay Range:$64,000-$95,000

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.

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

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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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

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