Packaging Engineer

About the Role 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Packaging Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and qualifying packaging solutions for our hair care product portfolio from initial concept through commercialization. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, product development, procurement, manufacturing, and marketing teams to ensure packaging is functional, compatible with formulas, cost-effective, and can be manufactured to scale. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and develop primary and secondary packaging components (bottles, closures, pumps, tubes, jars) for new and existing hair care products. 
• Oversee compatibility testing between formulations and packaging materials to ensure product stability and shelf-life integrity. 
• Create and maintain technical packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation. 
• Partners with suppliers and vendors to source materials, negotiate specifications, and resolve technical issues. 
• Support tooling development and manage the engineering change process for new molds and components. 
• Perform or coordinate functional testing (drop tests, torque testing, leak testing, environmental/stability testing) and analyze results. Troubleshoot packaging defects and manufacturing line issues; drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions. 
• Collaborate with formulation and product development teams to align packaging with product claims, aesthetics, and brand requirements. 
• Support sustainability initiatives, including recyclable/PCR material integration and packaging weight reduction. 
• Manage project timelines for packaging development and execution, ensuring on-time delivery for product launches.  Supports Supply Chain team with ongoing packaging support and supplier relationships. 
• Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, safety, and quality standards. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field 
• 3+ years of experience in packaging development, preferably within cosmetics, personal care, or CPG industries 
• Working knowledge of plastics, materials science, and manufacturing processes (injection molding, blow molding, extrusion) 
• Familiarity with packaging testing protocols, quality standards and designing pallet patterns. 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.  
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including developing and managing Supplier relationships. 

Preferred: 

• Experience specifically with hair care, skin care, or liquid/viscous product packaging 
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and design-for-recyclability principles 
• Experience working directly with contract manufacturers or co-packers 
• Familiarity with FDA/regulatory requirements for cosmetic packaging