Packaging R&D Engineer

Packaging (R&D) Engineer Flexible Packaging

Location: Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL (Onsite)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Packaging (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of innovative flexible packaging solutions for customers across the food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer products industries. This is a progression-based position, with level determined by experience and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of new flexible packaging products, structures, and technologies.
• Translate customer and market requirements into product specifications and engineered solutions.
• Plan and execute pilot, production, and packaging validation trials.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Coordinate project activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams.
• Develop subject matter expertise in key material and packaging technologies.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging materials, and competitive technologies to drive innovation.
• Prepare technical reports, project plans, presentations, and development updates.
• Support commercialization efforts through customer visits, supplier meetings, industry conferences, and training.
• Partner with sustainability, engineering, marketing, and sales teams to identify future product opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5 10 years of experience in product development, packaging engineering, manufacturing, or R&D.
• Experience with new product development and commercialization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with flexible packaging manufacturing processes including:
• Blown film extrusion
• Extrusion coating and laminating
• Rotogravure or flexographic printing
• Pouch converting
• Form/Fill/Seal equipment
• Knowledge of packaging materials including:
• Experience with retort or hot-fill packaging applications.
• Industry experience supporting food, pet food, dairy, coffee, frozen foods, healthcare, or personal care packaging.