Senior Packaging Engineer

Location: Ontario, CA
Department: CPG/Food

Job Description

Adept Group offers an award-winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners. Our technically gifted team collaborates to produce unparalleled results.
 
We offer a great place to showcase your expertise and build upon your skillset. All while having fun with amazing people from a variety of diverse backgrounds. We’re driven, inspirational and most importantly, human.
 
We offer a flexible, creative culture focusing on 3 pillars - our environment, our communities, and our health and well-being. Join a team committed to building a sustainable future!
 
The Opportunity
 
Adept Group is seeking a Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) in the Ontario, CA area! This candidate would have experience with end-to-end packaging development and optimization across a portfolio of food products, with a strong focus on retail readiness, sustainability, and operational execution.
 
You’ll lead packaging initiatives across multiple formats, driving material transitions, cost savings, and design improvements, while ensuring solutions are scalable in a production environment. The role also supports automation and equipment initiatives, including line improvements and packaging compatibility.
 
This is a hands-on, execution-focused position where you’ll run trials, validate packaging performance, and enhance retail display quality, owning projects from concept through implementation.
 
This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
 
This is a hybrid position that would require 2-3 days onsite with occasional domestic travel.
 
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Responsible for end-to-end packaging development, optimization, and implementation across a food product portfolio, with a strong focus on retail readiness and operational execution.
  • Leading packaging development initiatives for multiple food product formats
  • Driving innovation aligned with large retail customer requirements, especially sustainability-focused packaging transitions
  • Replacing existing materials (e.g., plastic trays) with paper-based, compostable, or recyclable alternatives
  • Identifying and executing cost-saving opportunities through material changes, design optimization, and efficiency improvements
  • Supporting automation and CAPEX initiatives, including packaging equipment selection and line improvements
  • Conducting validation, test runs, and plant trials to ensure packaging performance and manufacturability
  • Improving retail display and shelf presentation (visual quality, structure, durability)
  • Supporting packaging across multiple formats including:
  • Flexible packaging (VFFS bags)
  • Trays and sleeves
  • Rigid containers
  • Corrugated cases and display packaging
  • This role is both strategic and highly execution-focused, requiring ownership from concept through implementation.
Typical Day to Day: 
  • The individual will operate as the primary packaging expert on-site, working cross-functionally to drive packaging initiatives forward.
  • Day-to-day activities include:
  • Managing multiple packaging development and improvement projects simultaneously
  • Collaborating with suppliers, marketing, and R&D to design and implement packaging solutions
  • Supporting plant operations with packaging-related troubleshooting and improvements
  • Running validation tests, pilot trials, and production line trials
  • Evaluating packaging performance, cost, and sustainability impact
  • Supporting automation initiatives, including evaluating equipment and packaging compatibility
  • Improving packaging structures and designs for better retail display and consumer experience
  • This is a hands-on, plant-connected role
Requirements:
  • 5+ years of packaging engineering experience with strong foundational knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and processes  
  • Experience across multiple packaging formats (flexible, rigid, corrugated)
  • Background in food & beverage packaging, particularly prepared or refrigerated foods
  • Proven ability to lead packaging development from concept through commercialization
  • Experience working cross-functionally with suppliers, R&D, marketing, and operations
  • Strong understanding of retail packaging requirements, including display and shelf readiness
  • Ability to operate independently as the primary packaging expert in a plant environment
Nice to Haves: 
  • Sustainability experience (compostable, biodegradable, paper-based materials)
  • Experience with packaging automation / equipment
  • Experience working with large retail customers
  • Experience improving retail display and packaging aesthetics
Disclaimer:
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.
 
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.


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