Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods – San Francisco, CA

Are you a creative and detail-oriented packaging expert with a passion for innovation in the household goods industry? We are seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to join our team in San Francisco, CA. This is a unique opportunity to design sustainable, functional, and aesthetically appealing packaging solutions for a dynamic range of household products. If you excel at combining technical expertise with creativity and want to make a tangible impact on both product presentation and environmental sustainability, this role is for you.

Shape the Future of Household Goods Packaging in San Francisco

A leading household goods company in San Francisco, CA is looking for a Senior Packaging Engineer to drive packaging innovation, optimize materials, and enhance the customer experience through effective design solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in packaging design, knowledge of sustainable materials, and experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products. If you’re ready to push the boundaries of packaging engineering and sustainability, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods

Packaging Design & Innovation:

Develop innovative and functional packaging solutions for a variety of household goods.
Collaborate with design teams to create packaging that balances aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity.
Incorporate sustainable packaging materials and eco-friendly practices into the design process.

Material Selection & Sustainability:

Research and test packaging materials to ensure durability, cost-efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
Identify opportunities to reduce waste, implement recyclable materials, and lower the company’s carbon footprint.
Partner with suppliers to source and test sustainable materials.

Prototyping & Testing:

Create prototypes and conduct performance tests to ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, and customer experience standards.
Conduct transit tests, drop tests, and compression tests to validate packaging integrity.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Communication:

Work closely with product development, marketing, and manufacturing teams to align packaging with brand and operational goals.
Ensure packaging design complies with manufacturing capabilities and supply chain constraints.
Manage packaging timelines, ensuring on-time delivery for product launches.

Cost Optimization & Efficiency:

Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising packaging quality.
Streamline packaging processes to enhance efficiency and reduce production costs.
Implement innovative technologies to optimize packaging design and assembly.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:

Ensure all packaging designs comply with local, national, and international packaging regulations.
Maintain quality control standards by performing regular inspections and audits.
Stay up-to-date with industry regulations and packaging trends.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As a Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods, the client seeks a passionate, forward-thinking individual with a solid technical foundation in packaging design and sustainability.

Proven Expertise in Packaging Engineering

The ideal candidate should have:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in packaging design and development for household goods or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
Hands-on knowledge of packaging software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, Adobe Creative Suite).

Sustainability-Driven Mindset

The client values someone who can:

Integrate eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices.
Propose packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Innovate with biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packaging concepts.

Strong Technical and Problem-Solving Skills

You should demonstrate:

Proficiency in packaging material testing and performance evaluation.
Analytical skills to optimize packaging designs for cost and efficiency.
Experience conducting transit, drop, and stress tests for packaging durability.

Exceptional Project Management

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong collaboration skills to work with design, marketing, and supply chain teams.
Excellent attention to detail and creative problem-solving capabilities.

FAQs About the Role – Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods

1. What does a Senior Packaging Engineer do in this role?

As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, testing, and implementing innovative packaging solutions for household goods. Your primary responsibilities include:

Developing packaging designs that are both cost-effective and functional.
Selecting and testing materials to ensure durability, sustainability, and compliance with industry regulations.
Optimizing packaging processes for efficiency in manufacturing and logistics.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, and supply chain teams, to ensure packaging aligns with product requirements and brand identity.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

To excel as a Senior Packaging Engineer, candidates should have:

A Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in packaging design and development, preferably within the household goods, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or manufacturing industries.
Proficiency in packaging software such as ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or other design and simulation tools.
A strong understanding of packaging materials, structural design, and manufacturing processes such as injection molding, thermoforming, and flexible packaging.

3. How does this role contribute to sustainability?

Sustainability is a key focus for this position. As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will lead efforts to develop and implement eco-friendly packaging solutions by:

Researching and selecting sustainable materials, such as biodegradable plastics, compostable alternatives, and recycled content.
Reducing packaging waste by optimizing design, minimizing excess materials, and increasing recyclability.
Exploring reusable packaging concepts that can be part of a circular economy model.
Working with suppliers and manufacturers to source sustainable materials and implement greener production practices.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will face several challenges, including:

Balancing cost-efficiency with sustainability goals – Finding materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly can be difficult, requiring extensive research and testing.
Meeting evolving consumer expectations – Consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, making it essential to design packaging that is both functional and eco-friendly.
Managing multiple project timelines – You will work on multiple packaging projects simultaneously, coordinating with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery.
Navigating regulatory requirements – Ensuring compliance with industry standards, including FDA regulations, ASTM standards, and sustainability certifications, requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation.

5. What is the company’s culture like?

The company prides itself on fostering a collaborative, innovative, and sustainability-driven work culture. Employees can expect:

A teamwork-oriented environment – Cross-functional collaboration is encouraged, ensuring that engineering, marketing, supply chain, and sustainability teams work together effectively.
An emphasis on creativity and problem-solving – Employees are empowered to develop innovative solutions that improve packaging performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Commitment to sustainability – The company actively invests in green initiatives and encourages employees to develop packaging solutions that align with corporate sustainability goals.
Career growth and learning opportunities – Professional development is a priority, with access to training programs, industry conferences, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods in San Francisco, CA, you can expect a competitive compensation package that reflects your expertise, experience, and the strategic value you bring to the company. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

Base Salary
The base salary for a Senior Packaging Engineer in the household goods sector generally ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 per year. The exact amount depends on factors such as your experience level, the company’s size, and its market presence.
Performance-Based Bonuses
Many companies offer annual performance bonuses tied to key metrics such as cost savings through innovative packaging solutions, sustainability goals, and project delivery timelines. These bonuses can range from 10% to 20% of your base salary, rewarding both individual achievements and company performance.
Equity & Stock Options
Depending on the company’s structure, you may be eligible for stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), allowing you to share in the company’s long-term success. While not always guaranteed, equity grants can add significant value to your overall compensation.
Profit-Sharing & Incentive Plans
Some organizations offer profit-sharing plans or long-term incentive programs, rewarding employees for contributing to the company’s growth and efficiency. These plans may provide additional bonuses or deferred compensation tied to company profits.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
In addition to salary and bonuses, most companies provide a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plans with company matching
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Professional development opportunities (e.g., certifications, training programs)
Relocation Assistance
For candidates moving to San Francisco, some companies may offer relocation packages that cover moving expenses, temporary housing, or travel allowances.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in your base salary, bonuses, benefits, and any stock options, the total annual compensation for a Senior Packaging Engineer in San Francisco can range from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the company’s size and your professional background.

How to Apply

If you are a seasoned packaging engineer with a passion for household goods and a proven track record in packaging design, innovation, and sustainability, we invite you to apply for the Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods position in San Francisco, CA. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking team, enhance product packaging, and optimize manufacturing processes for a leading brand in the household goods sector.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in packaging engineering, materials science, sustainability initiatives, and project management. Be sure to highlight your expertise in product packaging, cost reduction strategies, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project deadlines and design goals.

This role offers an exciting career path where you will play a key role in developing cutting-edge packaging solutions that deliver high-quality products while supporting the company’s sustainability goals. Apply today to take the next step in your packaging engineering career!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Packaging Engineering Careers Page.

Job Category: Household Goods

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: San Francisco

Senior Packaging Engineer – Household Goods – San Francisco, CA