Packaging Engineer

Job Title:

Packaging Engineer Job Description As a Packaging Engineer, you will design, specify, and validate packaging solutions for components and finished goods, ensuring they meet performance, cost, sustainability, and regulatory requirements. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to develop innovative, efficient, and sustainable packaging that protects products and supports large-scale global operations. Responsibilities Create detailed packaging specifications for components and finished goods, including materials, dimensions, tolerances, and performance criteria. Develop and maintain accurate documentation for all packaging specifications to ensure consistency and traceability across the organization. Prepare technical drawings and documentation for packaging components and assemblies using CAD tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Evaluate and select appropriate packaging materials by balancing cost, sustainability, manufacturability, and product protection requirements. Define packaging performance test plans in accordance with ISTA and ASTM standards to verify that designs meet durability and compliance requirements. Execute and coordinate packaging performance tests to validate packaging under real-world transportation, handling, and storage conditions. Analyze test results and performance data to identify opportunities to improve packaging designs, materials, and processes. Work closely with product development, procurement, and manufacturing teams to ensure packaging solutions align with product requirements and operational capabilities. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate graphics and branding requirements into packaging designs while maintaining technical and regulatory compliance. Ensure all packaging specifications comply with applicable industry standards, environmental regulations, and internal sustainability goals. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging by recommending design or material changes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. Communicate detailed packaging specifications and requirements to suppliers to ensure clarity and consistency in production. Coordinate with suppliers to verify adherence to specifications through audits, reviews, and ongoing performance monitoring. Support troubleshooting and resolution of packaging-related issues in production, logistics, or customer use. Contribute to documentation and reporting related to packaging projects, including design rationales, test reports, and implementation plans. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software, including AutoCAD and SolidWorks, for creating technical drawings and packaging documentation. Knowledge of packaging testing standards such as ISTA and ASTM and the ability to apply these standards in test planning and execution. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret test data and performance metrics to drive design improvements. Strong documentation skills with attention to detail in specifications, drawings, and technical reports. Familiarity with sustainable packaging practices and the ability to incorporate sustainability considerations into packaging design and material selection. Technical understanding of packaging engineering principles, packaging materials, and packaging design. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product development, procurement, and manufacturing. Clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams and external suppliers. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working with a variety of packaging materials and formats for consumer products. Exposure to integrating graphics and branding requirements into technical packaging designs. Experience coordinating with suppliers to ensure adherence to specifications and quality expectations. Interest in continuous improvement, cost optimization, and sustainability within packaging engineering. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, global environment. Work Environment You will support a large, global snacking business that operates in more than 80 countries and employs a diverse workforce across factories, offices, research and development facilities, and distribution centers. This role is based out of a site with roughly 400 employees, where most team members follow a hybrid schedule, typically working onsite 2-3 days per week with remote options on Mondays and Fridays. The preference is for you to be onsite at least 1 day per week to collaborate in person with colleagues, though fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate. The environment emphasizes collaboration across product development, procurement, manufacturing, and other functions, using modern engineering tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks and applying industry standards like ISTA and ASTM. Employees and consultants at this site enjoy complimentary lunch Monday through Friday, contributing to a supportive and engaging workplace culture focused on innovation, quality, and sustainability in packaging. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $36.06/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.