STEM OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Packaging Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in engineering or materials science. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and signs your I-983 training plan.
See All Packaging Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 65+ Packaging Engineer jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 65+ Packaging Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Packaging Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Kenvue is currently recruiting for a:
Packaging Engineer
What we do
At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON’S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.
Who We Are
Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated. We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future – and yours.
Role reports to:
NA Tech Ops Senior Packaging Lead
Location:
North America, United States, New Jersey, Summit
Work Location:
Hybrid
What you will do
The Tech Ops Packaging Engineer II is responsible for collaborating cross functionally to manage packaging component introduction and changes. This includes establishing component specification, collaboration with external vendors, identifying areas for improvement, managing documentation for compliance, change management ownership, and resolving issues. You will also compile information to prepare protocols and reports for management review and approval, document specifications, and coordinate material testing supporting Kenvue products.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in packaging projects related to compliance initiatives, brand maintenance or expansion, cost saving initiatives, innovative package development, and environmental goals. This includes owning change controls and/or deliverables.
- Participate and advise in decisions involving equipment, package design, cost saving, and source reduction.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Quality, Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain) to ensure that packaging components meet requirements for manufacturability, as well as product protection and customer requirements, to ultimately deliver a robust packaging system to the market.
- Identify and implement improvements to packaging design and materials to enhance product quality and reduce costs.
- Lead the development and assessment of the following information to support package development, including but not limited to: design requirements, definition of the scope of change, packaging and equipment solution proposals, prior knowledge and knowledge gap assessments, risk assessments, test plans, and test results analysis and conclusions.
- Develop, write, gain cross-functional alignment, and route for approval package development & validation documentation. Examples of documentation: Package Development Assessment and Plan documents, Packaging Line Trial Protocols and Reports, Package Development Reports, Technical Risk Assessments, Packaging Validation Protocols and Reports, etc.
- Execute package line trials and package testing.
- Request new packaging component raw material codes (RMCs).
- Create & update FG-Spec BOMs, PC-Specs, DC-Specs, component drawings & pallet patterns.
- Review & approve printed component artwork for packaging requirements. Coordinate final artwork and DC-Spec transfer to print suppliers.
- Manage development of Packaging Line Trial (PLT) Test Component artwork.
- Provide copy to Packaging Process Engineers for print & apply artwork creation for new corner wrap labels.
- Manage development of corrugate shipping case artwork.
- Maintain color standards database and co-ordinate the approval of color standards.
What we are looking for
Required Qualifications
- College Diploma or University Degree in Packaging Development/Engineering or related.
- Min. 3 years of experience in consumer goods packaging, or packaging design and development.
- Experience with packaging materials and equipment, preferably in a pharma/health care environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong Technical writing skills are required.
- Proficiency with MS Suite of Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge of Packaging Materials, including bottles, closures, induction liners, blister lidding and film, and pouching is preferred.
- Knowledge of FDA, cGMPs and CPSC regulations is highly desired.
- Knowledge of USP, ASTM, ISTA, SPI methods for package testing or measurement is preferred.
- Specification development and management for packaging components is preferred.
- Experience working in a Cross Functional environment is preferred.
What’s in it for you
Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges:
$72,675.00 - $102,600.00
This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level & other job-related factors.
- Competitive Benefit Package*
- Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Volunteer Time & More!
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Kenvuer Impact Networks
-
This list could vary based on location/region
-
Note: Total Rewards at Kenvue include salary, bonus (if applicable) and benefits. Your Talent Access Partner will be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the recruitment & hiring process.
Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.
See all 65+ Packaging Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Packaging Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Packaging Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Packaging Engineering roles typically align with CIP codes in mechanical, materials, or industrial engineering. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch between your degree field and the role can disqualify you from the 24-month STEM extension.
Target manufacturers with structured engineering rotations
Consumer goods, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers frequently hire Packaging Engineers into rotational programs, which are easier to document in the I-983 training plan because learning objectives are already codified by the employer.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for STEM OPT employers
Search Migrate Mate for Packaging Engineer roles at companies with verified E-Verify enrollment and active engineering hiring. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility upfront cuts the time you'd otherwise spend vetting individual employers manually.
Draft your I-983 training plan around measurable engineering goals
USCIS requires your I-983 to list concrete learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For Packaging Engineers, frame goals around specific skills: structural design, material selection, sustainability standards, or validation testing. Generic descriptions increase the risk of a DSO or USCIS rejection.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
Before signing an offer, run your job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your salary meets the prevailing wage for Packaging Engineers in that area. Underpayment can signal a compliance problem that creates complications if the employer later files an H-1B petition for you.
Packaging Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Packaging Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Packaging Engineering role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title alone. Packaging Engineer positions typically qualify when your degree is classified under mechanical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field with an approved CIP code. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific degree qualifies. If it does, you're eligible for the 24-month extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Packaging Engineering role?
Your I-983 must list specific, measurable learning objectives that connect your day-to-day work to your STEM degree. For Packaging Engineers, that means documenting skills like package structural design, material compatibility testing, regulatory compliance, or sustainability optimization, not just restating your job description. Your employer signs the form and accepts responsibility for providing the training. USCIS or your DSO may review it, so vague language creates risk.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Use the E-Verify employer search tool to look up the company by name before your extension start date. Enrollment must be active at the time your STEM OPT begins, not just promised by an HR contact. If the company isn't listed, your extension cannot proceed with that employer. Many smaller packaging operations and contract manufacturers are not enrolled, so verify early in your offer negotiation.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B petition is filed before my STEM OPT expires?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT end date and the petition is timely filed for the October 1 start date, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as a Packaging Engineer during that gap without interruption. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically through your EAD and I-20 update from your DSO.
Where can I find Packaging Engineer jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists Packaging Engineer roles at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, so you're not spending time on companies that can't legally hire you for STEM OPT. Searching there lets you focus on employers who have already demonstrated familiarity with work authorization requirements, which also tends to make the I-983 training plan process smoother since HR teams are more prepared.
See which Packaging Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Packaging Engineer Jobs