About the role

We’re looking for a Senior Packaging Engineer to join our Research & Development team on a temporary, 3+ month assignment with the possibility of renewal. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Packaging Engineering, you’ll play a key role in developing and optimizing packaging for Ritual’s new product pipeline and existing portfolio.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional partners across Product Development, Brand, Operations, Quality, Supplier, and Manufacturing teams to deliver packaging solutions that balance performance, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost.

This is a great opportunity for a packaging professional who is passionate about innovation and sustainability, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys working on a collaborative, small-but-mighty team. Some travel (around 15%) to manufacturing sites is expected to support development activities.

What you'll do

Drive Innovation: Support packaging feasibility, validation, and commercialization for new products to ensure packaging meets brand standards, protects product integrity, works across omni-channel distribution, and aligns with sustainability, cost, and timeline goals.

Support Continuous Improvement: Investigate packaging materials, processes, and quality to identify opportunities for improvement in efficacy, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and market leadership.

Manage Specifications & Documentation: Maintain packaging specifications database and packaging-related claims at the product level. Develop new specifications, protocols, and reports as needed to support both development and commercialization. Experience with change management is a plus.

Collaborate Across Teams: Act as a trusted technical partner on projects with colleagues across Operations, R&D, Quality, Sales, Creative, Marketing, and external suppliers/manufacturers.

Test & Solve Creatively: Use packaging lab equipment (e.g., drop tester, Magna-Mike, Induction Sealer, Torque Tester, Vacuum Leak Chamber, Instron, etc.) to conduct packaging tests. Develop or identify test methods that proactively address packaging-related issues and risks.

Who you are

Clear Communicator: You share ideas thoughtfully, whether in writing or verbally, and tailor messages to your audience. You’re approachable and responsive.

Detail-Oriented & Analytical: You use data and qualitative insights to drive decisions. You notice discrepancies, ask questions, and work toward solutions with integrity.

Curious & Growth-Minded: You ask “why,” explore new ideas, and seek opportunities to learn and innovate.

Ethical & Quality-Focused: You prioritize product integrity and sustainability, considering both short- and long-term impacts of decisions.

Technically Confident: You bring expertise in your craft and are comfortable navigating ambiguity while working independently or collaboratively.

What you'll need

Education: A degree in Packaging Technology/Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

Experience: 4+ years in consumer packaged goods. Experience with food, supplements, or personal care is especially valuable.

Skills: Familiarity with packaging software (e.g., TOPs Pallet), material science and sustainability practices, manufacturing processes, rigid plastic and flexible film packaging, packaging testing methods, and general statistical analysis tools.

Compensation

• Pay Range:  $85,000 - $110,000
• Your base salary is one part of your total compensation package. The salary range represents the entire compensation range for this position. Exact compensation will depend on a number of factors, which may include the successful candidate's skills, level, years of experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. This role is also eligible for equity + generous benefits + 401k + unlimited PTO etc - see our list of perks/ benefits below. 

What We Offer

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA
• Mental health support via Talkspace
• Pet insurance discount
• 10 Wellness Days per Year (Final Friday of every month)
• Free Ritual subscription during your tenure
• Annual Wellness Stipend
• Monthly wellness activities

Financial & Career Support

• 401(k) Match (up to 4%)
• Equity participation through stock options
• Monthly Technology Stipend
• New Hire Work From Home Stipend

Family & Flexibility

• 5 months of gender-neutral parental leave for eligible team members
• Flex Time for birthing parents
• Family Planning via Maven Clinic
• Monthly Childcare Allowance

Time Off

• Unlimited PTO (with a 10-day minimum to recharge)
• 11 Paid Company Holidays
• Additional company time off for holidays that fall around a weekend
• Winter Break (Christmas - New Years)
• Holiday Diversity Policy
• 2 Days to volunteer (Days of Action)
• Focus Fridays for self-development and deep work