OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Packaging Engineer jobs are a strong fit for OPT work authorization, with roles spanning consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food manufacturing. Most positions require a degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, or materials science, and STEM OPT extension eligibility is common given the technical nature of the work.
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Welcome to Haleon. We’re a purpose-driven, world-class consumer company putting everyday health in the hands of millions. In just three years since our launch, we’ve grown, evolved and are now entering an exciting new chapter – one filled with bold ambitions and enormous opportunity.
Our trusted portfolio of brands – including Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin®, and Centrum® – lead in resilient and growing categories. What sets us apart is our unique blend of deep human understanding and trusted science.
Now it’s time to fully realise the full potential of our business and our people. We do this through our Win as One strategy. It puts our purpose – to deliver better everyday health with humanity – at the heart of everything we do. It unites us, inspires us, and challenges us to be better every day, driven by our agile, performance-focused culture.
About the role
The Packaging Technician I perform the manufacturing operating steps utilizing the proper equipment and following instructions defined in applicable safety policies, GMP’s, standard operating procedures and Batch Production Records in either electronic or paper format.
Role Responsibilities
- Request additional components or bulk as needed. Receive materials and perform verification with SAP. Coordinate in advance required materials for next order. Coordinate waste removal from the line.
- Perform steps that includes operation, cleaning, setup, changeover, adjustments, assist in preventive maintenance and minor repairs, material handling, packaging components verification, and return unused packaging components and bulk after process is finished.
- Perform quality in process checks and perform in-line packaging record review.
- Apply safety policies and GMP knowledge in daily operations involving self and other team members (i.e., LOTO {Lock Out/Tag Out}, PPE {Personal Protective Equipment} utilization, 5s, housekeeping, gowning, good documentation practices, and cross contamination prevention, etc.) Perform daily safety inspections (BASE).
- Perform cleaning of room, equipment and general area as per respective SOP’s. Perform line clearances and setup certifications.
- Perform preventive maintenance, equipment repairs, and materials handling. Verify packaging components, return unused packaging components and bulk after process is finished to perform packaging reconciliation. Supply components or bulk during packaging operations at all stations.
- Work with Reliability and Maintenance Engineers to learn and implement techniques to continuously improve packaging equipment reliability and efficiency. Review OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) data and interact daily with operators to expose and resolve equipment related to reliability and efficiency issues.
Why you?
Basic Qualifications:
- Associate Degree in Electronics, Industrial Mechanics, Instrumentation or related Degree plus 1 year of experience as Manufacturing/Packaging Operator or Mechanic with 1 year of applied experience in PLC and computer-based packaging equipment; or
- Bachelor’s Degree with no experience.
- Proficient in basic computer programs and 1 year of applied experience in PLC and computer-based packaging equipment plus advanced math. Knowledge of all operations in the area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Good Communication Skills
- Computer Knowledge
Benefits
Haleon offers a robust Total Reward package that consists of competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits program. This includes a generous 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement and time off programs including 6 months paid parental leave. On day one, you are eligible for benefits, including our healthcare programs where the company pays for the majority of your medical coverage for you and your family. We also offer the opportunity to receive a discretionary bonus based on the achievement of key business performance and other incentive/recognition programs as part of the offering.
Job Posting End Date
2026-09-29
Equal Opportunities
Haleon are committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day. It guides us in creating an inclusive culture, where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected – all in support of understanding and best serving the needs of our consumers and unleashing the full potential of our people. It’s important to us that Haleon is a place where all our employees feel they truly belong.
During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement, and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees.
The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.
Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, Haleon may be required to capture and report expenses Haleon incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure Haleon’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements.
Accommodation Requests
If you require a reasonable accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please contact us by sending an email to HR.AmericasSC-CS@haleon.com. Please include the following in your email:
Use subject line: ‘Haleon Careers: Job Accommodation Request’
Your Name and contact information
Requisition ID and Job Title you are interested in
Location of Requisition (city/state or province/country)
Description of specific accommodation you are requesting
Please note: Resumes, CVs, or other requests outside of accommodation support submitted to this email box will not be accepted.
Note to candidates
The Haleon recruitment team will contact you using a Haleon email account (@haleon.com). If you are not sure whether the email you received is from Haleon, please get in touch.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Packaging Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs first
Packaging engineering roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree program's CIP code is STEM-designated before applying, so you can honestly communicate your full three-year authorization window to employers.
Lead with your technical specialization
Employers hiring packaging engineers want specifics. Mention materials experience (rigid plastics, flexible films, corrugated), software proficiency (CAPE, ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks), and any sustainability or lightweighting projects. Generic resumes get filtered out quickly in this field.
Focus on industries with high sponsorship history
Consumer packaged goods companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical device firms sponsor OPT and H-1B visa workers regularly. Research company size and hiring patterns before applying to prioritize employers likely to support future visa sponsorship.
Highlight compliance and regulatory knowledge
Packaging engineers in pharma and medical devices work within FDA and ISO regulatory frameworks. Calling out familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11, ISTA testing standards, or GMP environments signals specialized value that justifies the OPT hiring process for employers.
Address OPT timing proactively in applications
Packaging engineering roles often involve multi-month product launch cycles. Reassure employers early that your OPT timeline accommodates a full project contribution, and clarify your STEM extension eligibility to remove uncertainty about authorization duration.
Build your portfolio around measurable outcomes
Packaging engineers are evaluated on cost reduction, material waste, line efficiency, and product protection results. Quantify your contributions from internships or capstone projects, as concrete numbers make OPT candidates significantly more competitive against domestic applicants.
Packaging Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Packaging Engineer on OPT?
Yes, packaging engineering is a qualifying field for OPT work authorization as long as the role is directly related to your degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline. Most full-time packaging engineer positions at manufacturers, CPG companies, and contract packagers meet this standard. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Does a Packaging Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in packaging science, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering are frequently STEM-designated and support the extension. Your Designated School Official can confirm whether your program qualifies. If it does, you can work for up to three years on OPT total, which makes you a significantly more attractive hire for employers evaluating long-term sponsorship options.
What types of employers hire Packaging Engineers on OPT?
The broadest opportunities are in consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, medical device companies, food and beverage producers, and contract packaging firms. Large CPG companies like those in personal care, household products, and food processing hire packaging engineers regularly and have established immigration compliance processes. Migrate Mate is a good starting point for finding packaging engineer roles at employers who actively consider OPT candidates.
What does a Packaging Engineer actually do day-to-day?
Packaging engineers design, test, and optimize packaging systems for physical protection, regulatory compliance, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability goals. Day-to-day work typically involves materials selection, prototype development, ISTA or ASTM performance testing, supplier coordination, and cross-functional collaboration with product development and operations teams. In regulated industries like pharma and medical devices, engineers also maintain documentation for FDA submissions and ensure packaging meets GMP and ISO standards.
Do Packaging Engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary significantly by employer size and industry. Large pharmaceutical companies, major CPG brands, and medical device manufacturers tend to have more established sponsorship processes and HR infrastructure to support H-1B petitions. Smaller contract packagers or regional manufacturers may be less familiar with the process. Starting your OPT in a role at a large employer with documented sponsorship history gives you the best odds of transitioning from OPT to H-1B when your authorization period ends.