Job description
NovaPack Solutions is seeking a results-driven Packaging Engineer to join our fast-growing manufacturing team in Chicago. This role blends packaging design, testing, and process optimization to reduce material use, protect product integrity, and accelerate time-to-market. You will collaborate with R&D, operations, procurement, and suppliers to deliver cost-effective packaging solutions that meet quality and regulatory standards.
We offer a premium work environment, ongoing training, and a clear path to leadership within a packaging-centric company.
Responsibility
- Develop and optimize primary and secondary packaging for consumer products to minimize material usage and maximize protection.
- Lead design reviews, test plans, and validation activities including ISTA tests, drop, vibration, and compression trials.
- Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and suppliers to select materials, converters, and equipment; manage BOMs and specifications.
- Implement Lean and Six Sigma projects to reduce waste, cycle times, and total landed cost.
- Create packaging specifications, validation reports, and documentation for supplier handoffs and regulatory review.
- Ensure packaging sustainability targets and regulatory compliance for applicable markets.
- Quality-minded troubleshooting and optimization support for high-volume production lines.
- Lead supplier qualification, risk assessment, and quality audits of packaging components.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.
- 3+ years of packaging design and development experience in consumer products or CPG.
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials (paper, corrugates, plastics) and converting processes; CAD tools such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
- Experience with testing and validation (ISTA, drop, vibration, compression) and with DOE and FMEA principles.
- Familiarity with Quality Systems (ISO 9001, GMP) and regulatory requirements for packaging.
- Project management, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier management skills.
- Strong communication, data analysis, and proficiency with ERP systems (SAP or similar).