Packaging Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

Posted: 01/07/2026 Industry: Laboratory - Food & Beverage Job Number: 1.26KO Pay Rate: 135,000 + Bonus Remote Friendly: Remote Experience:

Job Description

Packaging Engineer

Growing snacking product company is seeking a Packaging Engineer to join our growing team.  In this key role reporting the Vice President of R&D, you will be working with the Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Co-Manufacturers, Brand teams and supplier in planning and execution of packaging projects across all categories – Cereal, Snack Mix, Cookies and Bars.

Ideally, this role is based at our manufacturing plant and R&D center, but a remote opportunity is possible with frequent travel in Indiana to our co-manufacturers and suppliers.  The candidate must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.; we do not sponsor employment visas at this time.

The ideal candidate brings proven technical acumen in flexible, paperboard and corrugated packaging, as well as a strong ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional business partners and suppliers to deliver executional excellence.  Top candidates will have a high capacity for managing workload and thrive in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate exceptional organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.  This position will play a key role in ensuring technically robust packages using a blend of experience and data generation to drive decisions and confidence in our packaging and packaging systems.

Key attributes include a strong understanding of packaging material science, conversion, structure development, and filling/forming equipment.  Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proactive approach to driving action with key stakeholders are required.

Responsibilities:

  • Serves as a technical subject matter expert on packaging materials, formats and equipment by managing all technical aspects of packaging development projects, including idea generation, testing, tracking and reporting progress.
  • Hands-on packaging development work including lab testing, line trials, and package sizing.
  • Direct supplier’s technical work.
  • Reviews and approves die lines and CAD drawings
  • Tests packages and package systems to ensure flawless performance through distribution, on shelf, and during consumer usage
  • Coordinates and conducts FAT, SAT and line trials to validate ability of packages and packaging equipment to manufacture at scale.
  • Works in the lab and plant to create physical pack outs, perform fit tests, create palletization patterns and final packaging specifications
  • Troubleshoots package issues with suppliers and manufacturing using Root Cause Analysis / Corrective Action techniques
  • Investigates new packaging technologies, formats, materials and systems and recommends utilization
  • Develops and implements best practices to enable effective packaging development
  • Inputs to new item development, BOM development and develops packaging specifications
  • Interprets test results to verify / approve packaging specifications, performance, and compliance

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O’Sullivan at kosullivan@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  1.26KO
#LI-KM2

Salary

$135,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

Job Requirements

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Science / Engineering or related degree is preferred
  • 2-5+ years of direct packaging development R&D experience in consumer-packaged goods, preferably food and beverage
  • Knowledgeable in a wide range of packaging forms, including corrugated, paperboard and flexible films
  • Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies
  • Ability to think critically and exercise complex problem-solving skills while also simplifying information to drive decisions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Able to be self-directed, forward thinking and make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance
  • Comfort supporting recommendations and findings to the manager and cross-functional teams
  • Excellent time and project management skills with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects
  • A remote role requires 30-50% travel to our plant, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and trade shows.
  • Able to work in an office, lab and plant environment

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O’Sullivan at kosullivan@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  1.26KO
#LI-KM2

Meet Your Recruiter

Kristine O'Sullivan
Sr. Partner

The Food and Beverage Division specializes in the placement of technical professionals in the food and beverage industry from entry level to executive level candidates. I have a talented group of recruiters who specifically source Technical Sales Professionals, Scientists, Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Affairs, Executive Technical professionals, Quality Assurance, Product Development, Technical Service, Nutrition, Analytical and Corporate Chefs. We work on both a contingent basis for professional level searches and retained search for executive level searches. CPS, Inc. has been in the talent recruitment business for 40+ years and we recruit nationwide.

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