Job description
Join Apex Pack & Co., a leading innovator in premium consumer packaging, as a Senior Product Packaging Engineer. This role blends design excellence with materials science to deliver packaging systems that elevate brand experiences and drive sustainability.
Based in Chicago, IL, you will lead cross-functional packaging projects from concept to launch, collaborating with marketing, product development, and supply chain teams. You will own packaging strategy, optimize materials and processes, and ensure regulatory compliance across markets.
We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that celebrates curiosity, precision, and impact.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end packaging development for new and existing products, ensuring optimal form, function, cost, and sustainability.
- Collaborate with product, marketing, and supply chain teams to define packaging concepts that enhance brand equity.
- Execute design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for sustainability (DFS) analyses across materials, structures, and processes.
- Develop and validate prototypes, conduct performance testing, and drive iterative improvements.
- Manage supplier relationships, BOMs, and vendor qualifications for packaging components.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (FDA, CPSIA, REACH, RoHS) and sustainability reporting.
- Own packaging diary from specification through pilot, scale-up, and production launch.
- Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with QA/EC teams to ensure quality and traceability.
Qualification
- BS/MS in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in consumer packaging development, with a track record of launched packaging systems.
- Strong proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and 3D modeling; experience with packaging simulation is a plus.
- Solid understanding of materials science, polymers, adhesives, printing, and converting processes.
- Familiarity with GMP, FDA/consumer product regulations, and sustainability standards (circularity, recyclability).
- Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience with PLM systems and BOM management; proven supplier relationship management.
- Ability to travel up to 15% as needed.