Job description
NovaPack Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging strategy across our consumer goods brands. This role blends engineering rigor with design thinking to deliver packaging that protects, preserves, and differentiates our products while advancing sustainability. This is a full-time on-site opportunity in Chicago with competitive compensation and a strong growth trajectory.
As a member of our Packaging Development team, you will collaborate with R&D, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Marketing to deliver end-to-end packaging solutions.
Responsibility
- Lead design, testing, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for multiple SKUs.
- Translate consumer, supply chain, and sustainability requirements into robust packaging specs and BOMs.
- Coordinate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to select materials, validate performance, and ensure GMP compliance.
- Conduct package performance testing (compression, drop, moisture, QA, ECT) and analyze results to drive design improvements.
- Develop and maintain packaging standards, document control, and design-for-manufacturing guidelines.
- Partner with Marketing and Product teams to balance cost, brand aesthetics, and sustainability goals.
- Lead risk assessments, cost-to-serve analyses, and lifecycle assessments for packaging initiatives.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in packaging design, development, or testing in consumer goods.
- Strong knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, laminates), barrier properties, and conversion processes.
- Experience with CAD/PLM tools, DOE, and BOM management.
- Familiarity with GMP, ISO 9001, and packaging compliance requirements; knowledge of sustainability standards (recyclability, compostability).
- Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills; excellent communication.
- Proven track record of delivering cost-optimized packaging solutions on aggressive timelines.