Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Packaging Engineer
Job Description

The Packaging Engineer will lead and execute acceleration programs for a major confectionery business, focusing on brands such as sour candies, lozenges, and other snacks. This role will qualify new external vendors and Tier-1 suppliers, establish and manage packaging specifications, and adapt existing products into new packaging materials. The position combines hands-on packaging engineering with vendor management, materials expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to support commercialization, packaging optimization, and packaging line performance.

Responsibilities

• Execute, lead, and drive acceleration programs tied to the confectionery business unit, including products such as sour candies, gummy candies, and lozenges.
• Qualify new external vendors and Tier-1 suppliers to support packaging initiatives and ensure they meet technical and quality requirements.
• Facilitate internal discussions and collaboration across teams to define packaging needs, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers to establish and maintain clear packaging specifications and documentation.
• Manipulate products that have already been prepared and adapt them into new packaging materials and formats.
• Support packaging line activities by ensuring that new materials and designs run efficiently on existing equipment.
• Contribute to packaging design, optimization, and commercialization efforts to improve performance, cost, and consumer experience.
• Apply materials engineering knowledge, particularly in films, carbons, and corrugated packaging, to develop and refine packaging solutions.
• Use project management skills to plan, prioritize, and deliver packaging projects on time and within scope.
• Engage in vendor management activities, including communication, performance feedback, and issue resolution related to packaging materials and specifications.
• Ensure that packaging solutions align with mechanical and heat structure requirements and can withstand handling, storage, and distribution conditions.
• Handle raw products as needed during packaging trials, testing, and line support activities.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at various levels to provide updates, share technical insights, and support decision-making.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in packaging engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong packaging engineering expertise with a focus on commercialization and line support.
• Materials expertise with films as a primary focus, followed by broader packaging materials knowledge.
• Experience working with carbons and corrugated packaging.
• Understanding of the mechanics of heat structures as they relate to packaging performance and integrity.
• Ability to handle raw products safely and effectively during packaging development and testing.
• Proven experience in packaging design and packaging optimization.
• Demonstrated vendor management experience, including working with external vendors and Tier-1 suppliers.
• Project management skills with the ability to lead and execute multiple packaging projects.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on packaging lines and supporting line trials and qualifications.
• Background in materials engineering related to packaging films and structures.
• Ability to translate technical packaging requirements into clear specifications for vendors and suppliers.
• Experience in packaging development for confectionery, snacks, or similar consumer products is beneficial.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing specifications and documentation.
• Comfort working in cross-functional, global teams and coordinating with stakeholders across multiple locations.

Work Environment

The role is based at a large site with roughly 400 employees, where most team members follow a hybrid work schedule of approximately 2–3 days per week onsite. The position involves about 30% travel to locations in Mexico, Canada, and New Jersey to support packaging projects, vendor interactions, and line activities. The organization operates in a global, fast-paced consumer goods environment with factories, offices, research and development facilities, and distribution activities across many countries. Employees and consultants receive complimentary lunch on-site from Tuesday through Thursday. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation in snacking and packaging, and interaction with diverse, talented colleagues across multiple functions and regions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of El Paso, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.07 - $49.63/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.