Manager - Packaging Engineer

Currently looking for an experienced Packaging Engineering Manager to lead the development, optimization, and execution of packaging solutions across the product lifecycle. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise, cross-functional leadership skills, and the ability to balance innovation, cost, sustainability, and speed-to-market. The ideal candidate will drive packaging excellence while partnering closely with R&D, Operations, Quality, and external suppliers.

The Packaging Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of innovative, compliant, and scalable packaging systems across the product portfolio. This role partners cross-functionally to translate brand vision into technically sound packaging solutions while ensuring product protection, manufacturability, quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The Packaging Engineering Manager provides technical leadership from concept through launch and lifecycle management, driving continuous improvement and innovation across packaging platforms.

• Lead the development, qualification, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems to ensure product protection, regulatory compliance, manufacturability, sustainability, and positive consumer experience.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Marketing, and Creative teams to deliver packaging solutions from concept through commercialization and lifecycle management.
• Drive packaging ideation, feasibility, and implementation, including package design, prototyping, stock and semi-custom components, minor mold qualifications, and engineering specifications.
• Own technical milestones for new packaging component development and risk assessments, ensuring alignment and transparency across functional teams.
• Oversee packaging compatibility testing with formulas (chemical, physical, and microbiological), as well as package performance, functionality, transit, and quality testing.
• Develop, maintain, and approve packaging specifications, bills of materials, fill & assembly standards, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Lead and coordinate packaging line trials, scale-up, startups, and commercialization activities, ensuring package performance and manufacturability.
• Support manufacturing through technical troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives across suppliers, plants, and distribution.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to assess feasibility of new packaging concepts, review and approve artwork, and establish decoration production standards aligned with design intent and manufacturing constraints.
• Evaluate, qualify, and implement new packaging materials, technologies, and processes to improve performance, efficiency, and innovation.
• Drive cost savings, quality improvements, and efficiency initiatives while maintaining performance and compliance standards.
• Develop and manage strong technical partnerships with external suppliers, component manufacturers, and contract manufacturers.
• Support and lead sustainability initiatives, including material optimization/reduction, recyclability, and process improvements aligned with organizational goals.
• Research and assess emerging packaging trends and technologies to inform future innovation and strategic packaging direction.
• Manage, mentor, and develop packaging engineer(s).
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field of engineering or science.
• 7+ years of work experience in Package Engineering (cosmetic industry preferred).
• 3+ years of people management or technical leadership experience.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and great attention to details.
• Ability to work and collaborate with multiple departments.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• FSA/HSA
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Resources
• 401(k) Employer Match Program

This position is based in our El Segundo, CA headquarters, which is currently 40% hybrid…