Packaging Development Engineer

Job Title : Packaging Development Engineer

Location : New York, NY (Hybrid)

Experience : 5+ years

Employment Type : 12+ months Contract

Job Summary

We're looking for a Packaging Development Engineer to support the development, testing, and execution of innovative packaging solutions across multiple product categories. This role involves managing packaging projects from concept to launch, optimizing packaging for performance, cost, and sustainability, and collaborating closely with suppliers, marketing, and brand teams. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with materials, testing methods, and manufacturing processes related to plastics, cartons, films, and aerosols-preferably within the cosmetics or consumer products industry .

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage packaging development projects, ensuring alignment with brand, quality, and operational goals.

Collaborate with suppliers, marketing, and cross-functional teams to support package design, testing, and implementation.

Develop and execute comprehensive test plans following standard protocols for performance and durability.

Author and maintain technical documentation , packaging specifications, and validation reports.

Design and validate new test methods; perform data analysis and statistical evaluation for packaging performance.

Ensure supplier compliance and qualification for packaging materials and components.

Conduct compatibility testing for product-pack interactions, shelf-life evaluations, and shipping simulations.

Optimize pallet configurations , material usage, and cost efficiencies while maintaining quality standards.

Identify opportunities for sustainability improvements , material reduction, and recyclability enhancements.

Provide technical guidance on packaging design, materials, and production processes to support new product launches.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education : AS or BS in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science & Engineering.

Experience : Proven background in packaging design, testing, and development-ideally in cosmetics, personal care, or consumer goods.

Technical Skills :

Strong understanding of packaging materials including plastics (PE, PP, PET) , films , carton board , corrugate , laminate labels , adhesives , and colorants .

Experience with packaging technologies such as blow molding , injection stretch blow molding , injection molding , and aerosol packaging (aluminum, steel, corrosion control, safety considerations).

Proficiency in drop testing, ESCR (stress crack resistance), WVTR (water vapor transmission rate), Sutherland rub / scuff testing, distribution testing , and torque testing .

Familiarity with printing and decoration processes for packaging materials.

Project Management : Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to prioritize tasks , manage timelines , and solve technical challenges efficiently.

Analytical Skills : Ability to perform data-driven decision-making , interpret test results, and propose actionable solutions.

Soft Skills : Detail-oriented, proactive, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.