Job description
NovaPack Solutions is a leading innovator in sustainable packaging for consumer goods. We design packaging that protects products while reducing waste and optimizing cost across the supply chain. We are seeking a results-driven Senior Packaging Engineer to join our growing team in Austin, TX.
As a key member of our Packaging & Materials team, you will drive the development of safe, compliant, and cost-effective packaging solutions from concept through validation and ramp to production. You will collaborate with R&D,Operations, Sourcing, and Quality to ensure packaging performance aligns with brand requirements and sustainability targets.
What you’ll do: lead cross-functional packaging projects, translate consumer and regulatory needs into robust packaging concepts, and advocate for design-for-manufacture and design-for-sustainability best practices. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of packaging for a portfolio of high-growth brands.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end packaging development from concept to production-ready design, including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
- Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and Sourcing to meet performance, cost, and sustainability targets.
- Develop and validate packaging through DFMEA, ISTA/ASTM testing, and pilot runs; analyze data to drive design decisions.
- Own packaging BOMs, specifications, and change control processes; ensure interoperability with ERP/PLM systems.
- Evaluate materials and suppliers; perform risk assessments and maintain supplier relationships for packaging components.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards (GMP/ISO) for packaging systems across markets.
- Model and simulate packaging performance; implement design-for-manufacture and design-for-sustainability improvements.
- Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams and present milestones to leadership; manage project timelines and budgets.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
- 5+ years of packaging design and development experience for consumer goods, including rigid and flexible packaging.
- Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and packaging simulation; experience with PLM/ERP integration.
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials (films, laminates, rigid plastics, paperboard) and testing methods (ISTA, ASTM).
- Experience with DFx, DFMEA, packaging validation, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects.
- Strong communication and presentation skills; able to influence stakeholders and translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
- Travel up to 15% for supplier audits, pilot runs, and customer engagements as needed.