Temporary Principal Packaging Engineer

THE ROLE: TEMPORARY PRINCIPAL PACKAGING ENGINEER 

We are looking for a passionate and highly collaborative Principal Packaging Engineer Contractor to lead critical packaging development initiatives. This role will focus on driving sustainable innovation, leading cross-functional alignment, and executing against company OKRs related to Packaging Development, Packaging Sustainability, and 3PM Production Services. You’ll provide leadership and technical direction for the development, testing, and qualification of packaging systems, spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. Key areas of focus will include advancing our packaging sustainability roadmap, leading efforts for SBTi rebaselining, evaluating innovative packaging technologies, and supporting the design and development of custom bottles and closures for future launches.

This position plays a pivotal role in optimizing packaging performance, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring alignment across functions. You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver packaging that meets business, technical, and sustainability objectives. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Product Development team in delivering key packaging sustainability initiatives aligned to our 2030 roadmap.


• Lead technical packaging efforts for a SBTi rebaseline, ensuring data accuracy, material impact alignment, and clear
  documentation for cross-functional partners.


• Kick off a select set of sustainable packaging projects, focusing on feasibility, technical validation, and supplier engagement to
  set up for successful long-term execution.


• Drive early-stage innovation work, including the development of custom bottles and closures, with a focus on manufacturability,
  barrier needs, and consumer experience.


• Translate complex packaging and sustainability requirements into actionable development plans in collaboration with internal
  teams and external partners.


• Design and execute qualification protocols for all packaging components, including line trial preparation and testing
  documentation.


• Identify potential design challenges early and offer pragmatic, scalable solutions that minimize delays and rework.


• Monitor packaging sustainability trends and provide insights or recommendations to strengthen ongoing work.


• Document progress and ensure a smooth handoff of all workstreams upon contract completion.

CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED​

• Bachelors of Science degree in Packaging, ​


• 10 – 15 years of progressive experience in the CPG industry, with demonstrated technical leadership in packaging development.​


• Deep expertise in sustainable packaging design, including experience evaluating and implementing alternative materials,bio-resins, PCR content, recyclable and compostable structures, and design-for-recovery principles.​


• Proven ability to integrate sustainability metrics and regulatory requirements (e.g., EPR, recyclability, lifecycle analysis)into packaging development decisions.​


• Experience contributing to or leading packaging components of corporate sustainability programs, including SBTi alignment, roadmap development, or ESG reporting.​


• Strong understanding of custom primary packaging development, including tooling and mold design for extrusion blow molding, ISBM, and injection molding.​


• Ability to troubleshoot complex packaging challenges and develop innovative, manufacturable, and environmentally conscious solutions.​


• Excellent communicator who can simplify technical concepts and sustainability impacts for cross-functional teams.​


• Collaborative, proactive, and mission-driven with a passion for sustainable innovation and continuous improvement.​


• An analytical thinker with a “Can Do!” attitude who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

THE DETAILS​

LOCATION: Remote, priority will be given to candidates located near San Francisco, CA to support a hybrid work model.​​

HOURS: 40 hours per week, non-exempt​

MANAGER: Chief Product Officer

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

CONTRACT LENGTH: Mid-November 2025 – Mid-May 2026 (6 Months)​

The pay range for this position is $80-100 per hour dependent on experience.