Packaging Engineer

Job overview

The Packaging Engineer works onsite in Romeoville, IL. The posting lists a target contract pay rate of $55–$65 per hour, with an equivalent salary upon conversion. The role supports packaging development for cosmetic and personal care products, partnering with product development, marketing, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers. The engineer leads packaging design, development, testing, and commercialization from concept through launch. By validating performance, resolving manufacturing and distribution issues, and advancing cost and sustainability improvements, the role helps deliver packaging that meets brand, regulatory, and production requirements.

What you'll do

• Design primary and secondary packaging components
• translate product, consumer, and branding requirements into functional solutions
• lead projects from concept through commercialization
• conduct feasibility studies and manage timelines
• perform compatibility, drop, leakage, compression, and transportation testing
• support supplier qualification
• develop specifications, drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation
• support manufacturing scale-up and launches
• troubleshoot filling and distribution issues
• drive cost reduction and sustainability improvements.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

packaging engineer

romeoville il

sterling engineering

$55–$65/hr contract

contract-to-hire

onsite

cosmetics packaging

personal care products

packaging testing

cad

sustainability

supplier collaboration

commercialization

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental and vision plans, 401(k), and ESOP program.

Why this role

Contract-to-hire, onsite role. Requires a bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; 2–5+ years of packaging engineering experience is preferred. CAD proficiency and packaging testing experience are among the stated must-have skills.

About the employer

Sterling Engineering Inc. is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.