Senior Packaging Engineer

Senior Packaging Engineer

The Senior Packaging Engineer serves as the organizations senior technical contributor for the design, development, testing, and implementation of innovative, compliant, and cost-effective packaging solutions that are integral to the organization's Product Development processes. This role provides hands on technical leadership across new product launches, packaging optimization, sustainability and innovation initiatives, and supplier partnerships. The Senior Packaging Engineer establishes best practices, standards, and long-term strategies while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver creative, high-quality, functional packaging solutions across global markets.

Warehouse in Somerset, NJ - Full time onsite

What You'll Be Responsible For:

* Serve as a senior technical authority for packaging design, materials, processes, and performance across multiple product categories and distribution channels.

* Lead and oversee the complete packaging development lifecycle, with accountability for execution and performance, including concept development, design execution, prototyping, validation testing, commercialization, and post-launch optimization.

* Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, efficient, timely, and cost-effective solutions.

* Analyze engineering drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics of items, special handling, environmental and safety requirements, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and types of materials required for packaging.

* Utilize advanced CAD, simulation, and design tools to develop packaging solutions and guide design intent.

* Establish, maintain, and continuously improve packaging standards, specifications, and guidelines, including supplier qualification and evaluation criteria.

* Lead supplier selection, development, and performance reviews; build long term technical partnerships with domestic and global packaging vendors.

* Review and approve production samples, pilot runs, and first articles; provide expert feedback to vendors, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders.

* Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Project Management, Creative, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and global supplier network.

* Define and execute packaging test plans using industry-standard methods (ISTA, ASTM, ISO, etc.) to ensure packaging performance meets or exceeds shipping, handling, and regulatory requirements.

* Lead packaging testing and experiments, line trials, and equipment evaluations to validate designs and improve quality, efficiency and scalability.

* Provide expertise in packaging equipment and machinery capabilities; actively participate in equipment selection, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure packaging designs are optimized for manufacturability.

* Author and approve packaging specifications, testing protocols, raw material documentation, and all other related SOPs for new and existing products.

* Ensure packaging designs comply with GMPs, FDA and global regulatory requirements, quality systems, safety standards, and sustainability initiatives.

* Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage.

* Work closely with Engineering to optimize packaging supply base for cost, lead time, quality, regionalization, standardization, supply assurance, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.

* Personally manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, while mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior packaging engineers to ensure all department timelines, budgets, and performance metrics are met.

What You'll Need to Have:

* A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or packaging engineering is required. Advanced degree and/or professional certification (e.g., CPP) strongly preferred.

* 12+ years of progressive experience in industrial or consumer packaging - cosmetic, pharmaceutical, personal care, devices, or regulated packaging environments.

* Deep knowledge and understanding of packaging design validation standards (ISO, ASTM, etc.), drafting and specification standards is essential.

* Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD and packaging design tools; experience with rapid prototyping and design iteration.

* Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills; ability to influence internal and external stakeholders. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

* Must have demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

* Proven ability to lead complex packaging programs and solutions from concept through commercialization across domestic and international markets.

* Experience working in FDA-regulated and GMP…