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.
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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.
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Works with plant associates to gain alignment to specifications.
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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.
- 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 notice from the Department of Labor.
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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.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension starts. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status. A verbal promise from HR doesn't satisfy the USCIS requirement.
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 visa petition for you.
Frequently 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.