Senior Packaging Engineer

Adept Group offers an award‑winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners and collaborate to produce unparalleled results.

Join a flexible, creative culture focusing on the environment, communities and well‑being. Build your skillset, showcase your expertise and work with amazing people from diverse backgrounds.

Adept Group is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) who will own end‑to‑end packaging development across cereal, snack mix, cookies and bar products. The role is highly autonomous, plant‑focused and requires strong technical depth in flexible packaging and the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast‑paced food CPG environment.

1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) – 40 hours per week for 3 months.

Onsite presence is preferred in Lebanon, IN
. Open to candidates within driving distance of Lebanon/Indianapolis, IN, including Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH and Grand Rapids, MI.
Frequent travel (approximately 30–50%, up to three weeks per month).

• Serve as the sole packaging engineer supporting all packaging needs for snacks.
• Lead packaging development across multiple product categories:
  Cereal, Snack Mix, Cookies and Bars.
• Run hands‑on packaging development activities including lab testing, sizing, FAT/SAT and line trials.
• Conduct pouch material trials, pouch size changes, flexible film evaluations and development work on corrugate and Costco display pallets.
• Develop and maintain packaging documentation, including BOMs and packaging specifications (currently managed through SharePoint PDFs and an internal database).
• Review and approve dielines and CAD drawings.
• Direct suppliers on technical requirements and manage supplier interactions during testing and onboarding.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues using RCA/Corrective Action.
• Validate packaging systems for distribution, shelf performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support new item development and packaging readiness activities with cross‑functional teams.

• Run packaging trials on flexible films, pouches, corrugate and pallet configurations.
• Build or update packaging specifications and BOMs in SharePoint and internal databases.
• Conduct lab work, fit tests, physical pack‑outs, testing and trial preparation.
• Spend significant time on‑site in Lebanon, IN performing plant support and testing.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing and Brand teams on packaging‑related initiatives.
• Participate in supplier troubleshooting and technical communication.
• Manage multiple packaging initiatives with minimal oversight in a fast‑paced, lean environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science/Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of packaging engineering experience, preferably in food CPG.
• Strong technical expertise in flexible films.
• Experience with corrugated, paperboard and flexible packaging structures used in snacks and dry food.
• Hands‑on engineering capability: line trials, lab testing, FAT/SAT and validation work.
• Experience writing packaging specifications and building BOMs.
• Ability to work independently as the sole packaging resource.
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner cross‑functionally.
• Capable of working in office, lab and plant environments.

• Experience supporting corrugate retail pallets (e.g., Costco display pallets).
• Experience working as the only packaging engineer in a lean or fast‑growing environment.
• Familiarity with snack or cereal packaging systems.
• Experience with supplier onboarding and technical leadership.

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, the role is not eligible for company‑sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax with holdings, insurance coverage and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.