Packaging Engineer – 4-Month Contract

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and maintain packaging specifications within the PLM system (Oracle) across PA (packaging), PR (welcome/promo), FG (finished goods), CX, FA, and MM SKU categories.

• Evaluate and validate dielines, structural specifications, material specifications, technical data sheets, and bill-of-materials for all newly created and modified packaging components.

• Assist and provide backup for SKU and UPC creation requests via the established intake process (Asana request form and SKU approval channel), ensuring a turnaround time of 48 hours.

• Collaborate with PLM, Regulatory, Sourcing, and Quality teams to maintain accurate spec data that is audit-ready and consistent with master SKU hierarchies.

• Work alongside global suppliers to gather necessary data and documents.

• Oversee master versus variant SKUs and manage their assignment concerning new SKUs.

• Issue and manage ECRs (Engineering Change Requests) for specification revisions and obsolete SKUs.

• Assist in the development and qualification of primary packaging, including stick-packs, sachets (3-side and 4-side seal), pouches, tubs, and bottles.

• Collaborate with copackers and film suppliers on dieline confirmations, film thickness and structure validations, trial runs, and commercial qualifications.

• Gather data and provide expert insights for trade-off discussions (e.g., 2.5mil vs 3mil film, 3-side vs 4-side seal) using metrics such as cost, lead time, supply-chain redundancy, and shelf stability data.

• Manage sample requests, ship tests, and pilot fills; organize sample distribution to internal reviewers, regulatory/quality teams, and 3PLs.

• Support the development and maintenance of secondary packaging.

• Coordinate with print suppliers on dielines, color matching, print specifications, and PO timing to align with fulfillment needs at 3PLs.

• Streamline SKUs wherever possible to minimize complexity and unlock volume pricing opportunities.

• Validate carton/shipper dimensions against weight, dim factor, and retail shelf constraints.

• Aid the Supply Chain team in establishing and leveraging strong supplier relationships for packaging components.

• Collect data and assist in providing recommendations with co-manufacturers.

• Support risk assessments regarding component quality and surface trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders.

• Assist with component changeovers by providing creative briefs, managing artwork timelines, and overseeing inventory sell-through.

• Collaborate with the ESG/Sustainability lead and Product Development team to enhance recyclability, recycled content, FSC certification, and traceability across packaging elements.

• Assess and document environmental impact trade-offs.

• Ensure compliance with evolving EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations across US states and international markets.

• Apply FDA 21 CFR Part 111 (cGMP for dietary supplements) requirements to packaging selection, claims placement, and label real estate management.

• Coordinate the acquisition of packaging samples.

• Stay informed on food-contact material safety standards and migration testing requirements for primary packaging in collaboration with the quality team.

• Facilitate cross-functional interactions as necessary by collaborating closely with Customer & Market Intelligence, Growth, Creative, PD, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement, Planning, F&D, and 3PL teams.

• Proactively identify risks, dependencies, and timeline impacts.

• Maintain the P&C tracker and packaging readouts for innovation working teams and portfolio reviews.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Over 5 years of hands-on experience in packaging engineering, demonstrating ownership of both primary and secondary packaging development.

• Background in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutritional/private-label, food & beverage, or similar cGMP-regulated CPG environments.

• Strong experience with PLM/spec databases (NetSuite, SAP, or equivalent) — including hands-on spec creation, SKU/UPC management, and ECR workflows.

• Familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 111, NSF certification processes, and dietary supplement labeling regulations.

• Proficient in reading, marking up, and validating dielines and structural drawings; comfortable working directly with copackers, converters, and print suppliers.

• Proven ability to manage a large volume of active packaging SKUs simultaneously without oversight in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written communication and stakeholder management skills across both technical and non-technical audiences.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.

• A fully remote work environment (excluding Laboratory positions), established from the outset.

• A strong company culture reinforced throughout the hiring process to ensure alignment with values and foster a highly collaborative team.

• A mission-driven focus in all endeavors, aimed at significantly enhancing our customers’ health and well-being.

• A dynamic, high-growth environment providing opportunities for your contributions to have a direct impact.

• In-person team gatherings to optimize collaboration, team building, and productivity.

• A work culture dedicated to high performance, productivity, and continuous improvement.

• The chance to collaborate with passionate, growth-oriented colleagues committed to our mission every day.

• Access to AG1 products and branded merchandise.