Packaging Engineer Jobs in California
Packaging Engineer jobs in California are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in food and beverage manufacturing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce fulfillment, roles available from entry-level packaging technologist through senior principal engineer. The busiest hiring markets are the Los Angeles Basin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento, where established employers such as Gallo, Gilead Sciences, and Amazon maintain significant packaging operations. Specialties seeing the most consistent California demand include sustainable packaging design, materials engineering, and automation-integrated production systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 58+ Packaging Engineer jobs
Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$133,500.00 - $183,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.
Key Responsibilities
- Aid in the establishment and management of packaging suppliers and related processes and procedures.
- Develop test plans and perform laboratory testing on products, packages, and packaging materials.
- Support the Product Life Cycle (PLC) process by defining Design For Transportability (DFT) requirements and influencing product design.
- Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving activities.
- Develop and maintain global packaging standards and specifications for Applied Materials and its Supply Base.
- Provide advanced training and support to Packaging Engineer III.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Duties will vary according to the project in progress and/or the specific goals of the department in which the incumbent works. Duties may include leading team solutions to problems identified throughout the development and lifecycle of a product.
Functional Knowledge
Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in own specialized discipline or field.
Business Expertise
Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services.
Leadership
May lead functional teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity.
Problem Solving
Leads others to solve complex problems; uses sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgment and identify innovative solutions.
Impact
Impacts the achievement of customer, operational, project or service objectives; work is guided by functional policies.
Interpersonal Skills
Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt a different point of view.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$133,500.00 - $183,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.
Key Responsibilities
- Aid in the establishment and management of packaging suppliers and related processes and procedures.
- Develop test plans and perform laboratory testing on products, packages, and packaging materials.
- Support the Product Life Cycle (PLC) process by defining Design For Transportability (DFT) requirements and influencing product design.
- Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving activities.
- Develop and maintain global packaging standards and specifications for Applied Materials and its Supply Base.
- Provide advanced training and support to Packaging Engineer III.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Duties will vary according to the project in progress and/or the specific goals of the department in which the incumbent works. Duties may include leading team solutions to problems identified throughout the development and lifecycle of a product.
Functional Knowledge
Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in own specialized discipline or field.
Business Expertise
Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services.
Leadership
May lead functional teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity.
Problem Solving
Leads others to solve complex problems; uses sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgment and identify innovative solutions.
Impact
Impacts the achievement of customer, operational, project or service objectives; work is guided by functional policies.
Interpersonal Skills
Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt a different point of view.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
See All 58 Packaging Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Packaging Engineer JobsPackaging Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Packaging Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple14
- Qualcomm5
- Applied Materials3
- Nokia3
- Coherent2
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware32
- Technology & Software9
- Manufacturing8
- Medical Devices4
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in packaging engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience with packaging materials such as corrugated, flexible film, and rigid plastics
- Proficiency in CAD software for structural packaging design and prototyping
- Familiarity with ASTM, ISTA, or TAPPI testing standards for packaging validation
- Knowledge of FDA regulations for packaging used in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical applications
- Experience collaborating with supply chain, manufacturing, and marketing teams on product launches
Packaging Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a packaging engineer in California?
Most packaging engineer roles in California require a bachelor's degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo offers one of the few dedicated packaging engineering programs in the state. California does not require a state-issued license specific to packaging engineering, though engineers who take on broader project engineering responsibilities may pursue Professional Engineer registration through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
Which companies hire packaging engineers in California?
Employers hiring packaging engineers in California right now include Apple, Qualcomm, and Applied Materials, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of food and beverage producers, consumer packaged goods brands, and life sciences companies means packaging engineers here work across a broader range of regulated and unregulated product categories than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most packaging engineer jobs?
San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and San Jose have the most packaging engineer openings in California. Los Angeles anchors hiring through its massive consumer goods and e-commerce distribution sector, the Bay Area draws demand from food tech startups and pharmaceutical firms, and Sacramento's location near the Central Valley's agricultural processing industry supports steady openings outside the major coastal metros.
Are there remote packaging engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Packaging engineering is fundamentally a hands-on role, prototype evaluation, line trials, and materials testing typically require on-site presence. About 5% of packaging engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in specification writing, supplier qualification, and project coordination work that can be done away from the production floor.
How can I get hired as a packaging engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op secured during a packaging science or engineering program, particularly through Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's industry-connected curriculum. Large California food and consumer goods manufacturers such as Gallo and McCormick run structured new-graduate rotational programs, and many life sciences companies hire entry-level packaging associates who move into engineer roles after learning validation and compliance workflows. Candidates without a packaging-specific degree can also transition from adjacent roles in manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, or industrial design, especially with an Institute of Packaging Professionals certification.
Where can I find and apply to packaging engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to packaging engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 58 Packaging Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Packaging Engineer Jobs