Packaging Development Engineer

About the role

A full-time, mid-to-senior level Packaging Development Engineer is sought to design, develop, test and optimise packaging solutions that meet product protection, functionality, sustainability, cost and branding needs. The role covers packaging engineering, material selection, structural design, prototyping, performance testing and innovation management, serving manufacturing, consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare and other sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for new and existing products, turning product specs and customer requirements into practical designs.
• Evaluate materials, structures and dimensions; select paperboard, corrugated board, plastics, glass, metals and flexible films, and run material feasibility studies.
• Create prototypes, samples and mock-ups, and run performance tests such as compression, drop, vibration, impact, leakage and transit simulation.
• Optimise dimensions, weight and material use to cut costs and waste, and develop specifications, technical drawings, bills of materials and product documentation.
• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, QA, procurement, marketing and supply chain, and work with suppliers, printers, converters and external labs.
• Assess manufacturability and scalability, support trials, pilot runs and production validation, and troubleshoot defects and packaging failures.
• Support packaging qualification, quality inspections, supplier evaluations and product launches, and ensure compliance with safety, labelling and transport requirements.
• Develop sustainable packaging, assess lifecycle impacts, and carry out cost analysis, value engineering and optimisation studies.
• Manage multiple projects, maintain records of specifications, approvals and test results, and present findings to stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design or a related field.
• Proven experience in packaging development, packaging engineering or packaging innovation.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, validation and design optimisation, and with material evaluations, supplier trials and packaging qualification.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, product specifications and material data sheets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, and ability to manage several projects and cross-functional teams.

Required skills

• Familiarity with CAD or packaging design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD or ArtiosCAD.
• Knowledge of packaging performance testing, barrier properties, shelf-life considerations and quality management principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical documentation tools.
• Advantageous: packaging lifecycle assessment, packaging automation, digital printing, smart packaging, and professional certifications.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits.
• Professional development, training for technical certifications, and career paths up to Packaging Technology Manager or Director of Packaging Engineering.
• Exposure to advanced materials, design tools and testing technologies, and involvement in sustainable packaging initiatives.