Packaging Engineer Jobs in New Jersey
Packaging Engineer jobs in New Jersey are in steady demand across the state's dense concentration of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage manufacturers, with openings at every level from entry-level packaging technician through senior and principal engineer. The heaviest hiring activity centers on the Parsippany-Troy Hills, Princeton, and Newark metro corridors, where major employers like Johnson and Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, and Campbell Soup Company maintain long-standing operations. The most sought-after specializations in New Jersey include pharmaceutical compliance packaging, sustainable materials engineering, and structural design for consumer products. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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POSITION PURPOSE
The Packaging Lab Engineer plays a key role supporting fellow associates within the PDI organization on new product development, existing product portfolio maintenance, cost savings initiatives, and product improvements. This individual will work with Engineers and contribute to design and development activities while learning new technical skills. This individual will execute on requirements to complete R&D analysis and documentation to ensure major milestones are met and product developments objectives are achieved.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
- Supports the product development teams for NPI initiatives
- Conducts a variety of test procedures executing them accurately and timely.
- Conducts laboratory tests as directed by supervisor with minimal supervision
- Makes and tests product samples and prepares prototype products for clinical studies
- Records and reports data accurately, follows protocols and reports any errors and anomalies
- Conducts test method validation and measurement system analysis executing them accurately and timely.
- Comprehends test protocols and test methods. May input into test method design
- Collects data ensuring that reported data is correct and reliable following cGMP.
- Adapts test equipment and fixtures as needed to perform required testing.
Able to work and interact effectively with other engineering Associates. - Tests prototypes and raw materials in support of the R&D team
Writes reports and summarizes test data - Participates to line trials and other activities at the local manufacturing plant.
- Flexible and may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
- Develops protocols, writes reports, SOP’s and specifications
- Develops, writes and validates test methods to evaluate product performance
- Writes reports and summarizes test data
- Records and reports data accurately, follows protocols and reports any errors and anomalies
- Identifies key quality attributes for products
- Works with plant associates to gain alignment to specifications
- Plans own workload to ensure tasks and objectives are completed and collaborates as a participative team member to ensure R&D milestones are met.
- Able to work without supervision and escalate issues when necessary
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
- Hit key Development Milestones for new products projected to contribute revenue and profit growth
- Follows laboratory safety and organization plans
- Conducting testing in a timely fashion, accurate data collection
- Implementation of updated or new test methods
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
- BS Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree preferred
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
- Fundamental knowledge in engineering techniques and ability to apply to product design
- Technical knowledge of packaging, non-woven, and/or regulated products preferred.
- Familiar with prototyping techniques (such as 3-D printing) and production equipment.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Recent Graduate preferred
- Previous internship/experience in an Engineering Laboratory strongly preferred
- Ability to articulate previous Engineering projects, their goals, techniques used and conclusions
- Demonstrated leadership role (science or non-science based)
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated ability to support technical teams; able to work in a fast-paced environment, with multiple projects of varying complexity;
- Is able to build partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Ensures accountability and consistently achieving results.
- Able to build partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Strength in both oral and written presentation skills are a prerequisite to success.
- Must have the appropriate interpersonal communication skills
- Computer skills/ability to work with various software packages.
- Experience in AutoCAD, TOPS, Adobe Illustrator preferred.
- Must have knowledge of Engineering processes such as product life cycle, change, and knowledge of cGMP design and change management
- Basic familiarity with ASTM/ISO/EN/ISTA standards
- Experience in MasterControl or similar documentation management system is a plus.
SALARY RANGE:
- $72k-$83k
BENEFITS
PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:
- Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
- Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short & long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Advocacy Program
PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 15 Packaging Engineer Jobs in New Jersey
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Find Packaging Engineer JobsPackaging Engineer Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Packaging Engineer Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in packaging engineer jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in packaging science, materials engineering, or mechanical engineering
- Experience with packaging design software such as ArtiosCAD or Esko Studio
- Knowledge of FDA packaging regulations and pharmaceutical compliance standards
- Proficiency in structural design, prototyping, and materials testing for consumer goods
- Familiarity with sustainability and recyclability requirements for packaging materials
- Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams
Packaging Engineer Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a packaging engineer in New Jersey?
The standard path into packaging engineering in New Jersey begins with a bachelor's degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field. New Jersey does not require a state-issued license specifically for packaging engineers, but many employers in the state's pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors expect candidates to hold or pursue a Certified Packaging Professional credential through the Institute of Packaging Professionals, which is widely recognized among New Jersey hiring managers.
Which companies hire packaging engineers in New Jersey?
Employers hiring packaging engineers in New Jersey right now include Colgate-Palmolive, Marotta Controls, and PDI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New Jersey's deep concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and consumer goods manufacturers means the hiring pipeline here is broader and more consistent than in most other states.
Which New Jersey cities have the most packaging engineer jobs?
Piscataway, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Dover have the most packaging engineer openings in New Jersey. That distribution reflects the corridor of pharmaceutical and consumer goods headquarters concentrated in central and northern New Jersey, with the Newark area adding logistics and retail-facing packaging roles tied to its proximity to major distribution infrastructure.
Are there remote packaging engineer jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're rare. Packaging engineering is a hands-on role that typically requires physical access to prototypes, production lines, and testing equipment, so full remote work is uncommon. About 63% of packaging engineer openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the remote share concentrated mostly in project management, specification writing, and supplier coordination functions rather than design or validation work.
How can I get hired as a packaging engineer in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a co-op or internship with one of New Jersey's pharmaceutical or consumer goods manufacturers, several of which run structured new-grad programs that convert to full-time roles. Companies like Johnson and Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive hire packaging associates and junior engineers through campus recruiting. Candidates who have completed coursework in materials testing or who hold a Fundamentals of Packaging Technology certificate from the Institute of Packaging Professionals stand out in entry-level screening.
Where can I find and apply to packaging engineer jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to packaging engineer jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly through the listings.
See All 15 Packaging Engineer Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Packaging Engineer Jobs