Packaging Engineer Manager

Job Title:

Manager - Packaging Engineer

Location:

Elgin, IL

The Packaging Engineering Manager will lead a team to design, develop, and optimize packaging solutions, balancing product protection, user experience, cost, and sustainability. Key responsibilities for this position include managing packaging projects from concept to commercialization, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, sourcing materials and suppliers, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting sustainability initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Manage and mentor a packaging engineer, providing guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Develop strategic plans and execute innovative packaging solutions that meet product requirements, considering factors like cost, safety, and environmental impact.
• Lead and conduct tests/line trials on packaging concepts to ensure packaging can withstand various conditions such as temperature changes, transportation, and storage.
• Oversee the design and development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for new and existing products, considering factors like product integrity, sustainability, user experience, and brand alignment.
• Conduct packaging performance tests and identify areas of improvement for packaging solutions.
• Analyze and select appropriate materials for packaging based on durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Work closely with project management, sustainability, innovation, engineering, marketing, regulatory and operation teams to understand and meet packaging needs.
• Ensure integrity of packaging is maintained through production, transportation, storage, and end users.
• Partner with purchasing and production departments to determine costs and feasibility of producing proposed packaging.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key packaging suppliers to leverage their knowledge, capabilities, and stay updated on industry developments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or other related field
• 6‑10+ years of experience in packaging engineering
• Food industry experience preferred
• CAPES certification is a plus
• Demonstrated experience of packaging development process (materials knowledge, performance testing, critical factors to consider in design, specification determination, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of materials science, including plastics, film, PET, corrugated and paper
• TOPS or other software solutions for packaging, palletization and loading of trucks/containers
• Proficiency with CAD drawings and programs
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a team.
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• Strong collaboration, problem solving and analytical skills, in addition to an innovative, creative thinker
• Project management skills able to move projects forward, manage timelines/deadlines, engage the right resources, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This position will involve work in both an office and plant setting to include standing/sitting for extended periods of time, safely walking to, from and around the plant on even walking surfaces, climbing stairs and being exposed to plant equipment and noise. This role will be exposed to temperatures between 33‑100 degrees Fahrenheit and PPE is required in certain areas.