Packaging engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

About the Role

Description

Industrial Color is seeking a Packaging Designer to support a leading prestige beauty client. This highly visible role is ideal for a designer who thrives at the intersection of packaging innovation, brand storytelling, and technical execution.

We are looking for a creative, detail-oriented thinker with deep experience in beauty, skincare, personal care, or consumer packaged goods who understands how thoughtful design can build trust communicates product efficacy. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in primary packaging and structural design, paired with exceptional visual design skills across print and brand communications.

This role is particularly well-suited for a designer who balances clinical credibility with modern beauty aesthetics, developing designs that feel premium, approachable, trusted, and results-driven.

As a key collaborative team player in our fast-paced environment, your primary focus will be the technical execution, layout, and quality control of primary and secondary packaging. You will bridge the gap between creative concept and final production – requiring a hands-on technical expert who thrives in rapid workflows, works seamlessly with packaging vendors, and ensures every dieline, specification, and layout is executed flawlessly.

Requirements

What You'll Do

• Design & Technical Execution (Core Focus)
• Collaborate with the team on packaging design iterations, layouts, and artwork production for both primary (containers, bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, closures, compacts, applicators, and custom engineered forms) and secondary (cartons, sleeves, boxes) packaging.
• Design the full physical system of the package, not just its surface decoration–considering ergonomics, usability, functionality, and consumer interaction.
• Explore materials, finishes, coatings, textures, and decoration techniques with a strong understanding of manufacturing constraints.
• Prepare, review, and finalize precise mechanical artwork and layout files ready for production.
• Execute precise typography setting, copy layout, and annotation of design elements/callouts to ensure smooth and efficient production.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Technical Support
• Work closely with Creative, Marketing, Product Development, Packaging Engineering, and global vendor partners.
• Provide clear, accurate packaging specs and technical notes to internal teams to ensure seamless communication with vendors.
• Step in to consult or communicate directly on complex technical details with vendors whenever specialized production input is needed.
• Deliver precise, production-ready packaging assets and callouts to internal cross-functional teams for smooth project handoffs.
• Work efficiently within fast-turnaround production timelines while maintaining high accuracy and quality standards.
• Quality Control & Benchmarking
• Conduct strict Quality Assurance (QA) on color accuracy (Pantone/CMYK), print finishes, paper stocks, and proof approvals.
• Conduct competitive market research and packaging benchmarking to source best technical practices, materials, and finishing options.
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Act as a dependable team player, providing technical support to creative teams and cross-functional partners.

Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this role is $105,000 - $120,000 annually. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

This is a hybrid role requiring flexibility to work in-office and remotely. Evening or weekend work may occasionally be required during major projects.

We offer a competitive benefits package including major medical, dental and vision insurance, FSA, HSA, and employee discounts.

Industrial Color is a division of CoCreativ, a family of integrated creative production companies. Industrial Color partners with top brands, agencies, and creative professionals providing a full range of essential production services. For over 30 years, we've led the industry through a culture of innovation, bringing state-of-the-art digital production and post-production solutions to our clients.

Our headquarters is based in Tribeca, NY, with offices in Los Angeles and studios in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Our clients include: L'Oreal, Publicis, Procter & Gamble, Tommy Hilfiger, Absolut Vodka, Nike, Estee Lauder, Amazon...