Job description
Join NorthStar Packaging Solutions, a premium packaging innovator helping leading consumer brands transform their packaging.
We are seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging design, material selection, and sustainability initiatives across our portfolio. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth with a strategic mindset to deliver cost-effective, compliant, and brand-aligned packaging solutions.
In this role you will partner with R&D, procurement, manufacturing, and packaging suppliers to drive packaging innovation from concept through launch, while championing sustainability and quality. This position is based in Chicago, IL with hybrid flexibility.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end packaging development from concept to launch, ensuring feasibility and scale-up.
- Perform material selection, testing, and compatibility assessments for multiple product lines.
- Collaborate with R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing to ensure design-for-manufacturing and timely launches.
- Develop packaging specifications, BOMs, supplier qualification plans, and change-control documentation.
- Conduct durability testing, shelf-life studies, and regulatory compliance assessments (FDA/REACH).
- Drive sustainability initiatives including recyclability, recycled content, lightweighting, and life-cycle assessment.
- Partner with marketing and creative teams to ensure brand-consistent packaging and optimal consumer experience.
Qualification
- Bachelors in Packaging Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 3+ years of packaging engineering/design experience in CPG/consumer goods.
- Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks/Creo) and packaging software (ArtiosCAD, CAPE/PRE) or similar.
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials (paperboard, corrugated, plastics, barrier films) and testing methods (ISTA, ASTM).
- Familiarity with regulatory standards (FDA, REACH, RoHS) and packaging compliance.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration, communication, and project management skills.
- Data-driven problem solver with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments.
- Experience with sustainability metrics and life-cycle assessments is a plus.