Job description
Join NovaPack Solutions as a Senior Product Packaging Engineer and drive the design and optimization of packaging systems from concept through production. Based in Chicago, IL, you will partner with product teams to deliver packaging that protects, differentiates, and reduces cost while meeting sustainability goals.
We are seeking a professional who blends creativity with engineering rigor to deliver scalable packaging solutions for consumer goods across categories.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end packaging design from concept through production ramp, including feasibility, prototyping, testing, and scale-up.
- Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Sourcing to define packaging specs, BOMs, and performance criteria.
- Develop robust test protocols (ISTA, drop, vibration, climate) and execute validation to guarantee performance in transit and on shelves.
- Evaluate materials (corrugates, plastics, coatings, adhesives) for cost, sustainability, and manufacturability; drive material optimization.
- Oversee supplier qualification, participate in vendor selection, and manage relationships with packaging converters and manufacturers.
- Lead packaging validation, quality audits, and transfer to manufacturing with clear documentation and change control.
- Ensure compliance with labeling, regulatory standards, safety data, and environmental requirements (recyclability, sustainability metrics).
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in packaging design/manufacturing for consumer packaged goods (CPG).
- Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and 2D/3D packaging design software.
- Deep knowledge of materials science relevant to packaging (corrugated, plastics, inks, coatings).
- Hands-on experience with packaging testing protocols (ISTA, drop, vibration, climate) and validation.
- Experience with sustainability initiatives, life cycle assessment, and material optimization to reduce footprint.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration, project management, and vendor management skills; strong communication and presentation abilities.