Senior Packaging Engineer

Location: Remote - United States
Department: CPG

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 Senior Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) in the Midwest! This candidate would 5-10+ years' experience in returnable/reusable packaging systems. Experience working in the Auto or Industrial industries preferred.
 
This candidate would have the ability to validate specifications and assess cost models and are familiar with packaging development lifecycle (design to implementation).
 
This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for a project expected to begin in January 2026 for 12 months at 40 hours per week. 5-10% travel required.
 
*Only candidates located in the Midwest will be considered (MN, OH, TN, etc.)*
 
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Participate in weekly supplier calls across active launch waves, supporting packaging readiness and issue resolution. 
  • Validate supplier-provided packaging data, specifications, and cost models for accuracy and alignment with company standards. 
  • Manage and maintain should-costing activities, ensuring supplier cost inputs are rationalized against benchmarks. 
  • Provide guidance within the supplier-led design process, client sets pool-pack parameters (e.g., 5 totes, 3 bulk containers, pallets), while suppliers own the internal dunnage design (~80% of the time). The engineer will review, advise, or intervene when supplier solutions do not meet requirements or performance expectations. 
  • Support supplier design and fit-check activities; travel on-site when required to confirm packaging function and handling. 
  • Collaborate closely with plants and supplier teams on lineside presentation, handling improvements, and load density optimization. 
  • Identify and implement opportunities to enhance existing should-cost tools and engineering templates, improving accuracy and usability. 
  • Act as a liaison between logistics, packaging suppliers, and engineering teams to ensure returnable packaging solutions are technically sound, cost-effective, and compliant with RPP standards. 
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives within the RPP, including standardization of packaging specifications, development of best practices, and documentation of lessons learned. 
  • Respond to ad hoc packaging engineering requests, which may include data analysis, validation, or packaging concept feedback. 
Typical Day to Day: 
  • Attending supplier and internal stakeholder calls 
  • Reviewing and validating packaging data 
  • Working in should-costing tools 
  • Collaborating with suppliers and plants on packaging implementation 
  • Occasional site visits for fit-check support 
  • Cross-functional communication with logistics and operations teams 
Requirements: 
  • 5–10 years of experience in returnable/reusable packaging systems 
  • Background in returnable/reusable packaging 
  • Ability to validate specifications and assess cost models 
  • Familiarity with packaging development lifecycle (design to implementation) 
  • Excellent data analysis and technical communication skills 
  • Comfort working with non-packaging SMEs (i.e., supplier staff who may also manage packaging) 
Nice to Haves: 
  • Automotive or industrial packaging experience 
  • Experience working with global supplier networks 
  • Familiarity with packaging costing tools or systems 
  • Fit-check process knowledge 
  • Ability to independently source/draft concepts for heavy-duty applications (e.g., 300 lb. fuel pumps) 
  • Experience consulting on material right-sizing or cost-optimization (e.g., overbuilt expendables) 
  • Experience participating in packaging program development or improvement. 
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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