R&D Packaging Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The R&D Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing packaging solutions that ensure product integrity, stability, regulatory compliance, and consumer appeal. This role involves evaluating packaging materials for compatibility with dietary supplements, supporting technology transfers, and conducting plant trials to validate performance. The engineer collaborates with suppliers, manufacturing teams, copackers, and cross-functional stakeholders to source innovative and cost-effective materials while maintaining quality and sustainability standards. They also ensure compliance with FDA, cGMP, and industry regulations, troubleshooting packaging-related challenges in production and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Their work bridges product development and large-scale manufacturing, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and competing priorities with excellence and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Packaging Development & Optimization : Design, test, and optimize packaging solutions for dietary supplements, primarily bottles, cartons, jars, and case packs, but also potentially blister packs, pouches, sample packs, displays, and other formats, ensuring product protection and consumer appeal

Material Selection & Compatibility : Evaluate and qualify packaging materials (plastics, glass, films, foils, etc.) to ensure compatibility with dietary supplements, preventing degradation, moisture ingress, or other stability issues.

Technology Transfer & Scale-Up : Support the transition of new packaging concepts from front end innovation to full-scale production across different manufacturing facilities, ensuring seamless implementation and efficiency.

Plant Trial Execution : Plan and conduct packaging trials at manufacturing scales to validate packaging performance, filling line compatibility, and production feasibility.

Supplier Collaboration & Sourcing : Work with procurement and suppliers to identify and qualify new packaging materials, improve supply chain resilience, and evaluate cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.

Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability : Ensure all packaging solutions meet FDA, cGMP, and other relevant regulatory standards while supporting sustainability initiatives such as recyclable or biodegradable materials.

Packaging Equipment & Process Validation : Partner with engineering and operations teams to test and validate packaging lines, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards.

Quality & Stability Testing : Collaborate with quality assurance and formulation teams to assess the impact of packaging on product stability, shelf life, and consumer safety.

Process Documentation & SOPs : Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical specifications, and packaging instructions to ensure consistency and knowledge retention.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation : Identify opportunities for packaging innovation, automation, and cost optimization while maintaining product integrity and enhancing the consumer experience.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support : Address packaging-related issues in production, including defects, material inconsistencies, and machine compatibility challenges, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with product R&D, production, procurement, marketing, and regulatory teams to align packaging solutions with product development goals and brand positioning.

Technology & Innovation Integration : Evaluate and recommend new technologies, materials, and processing techniques to enhance product performance and scalability.

Supports team through the process of perfecting finished goods and processes across various locations

Manage multiple projects in different stages at a high level of quality with attention to detail

Research, quote, and qualify new packaging and turn-key finished services

Address issues associated with internal and external packaging, planned and unplanned deviations

Establish and continue building viable working relationships with Nordic Manufacturing and NN HQ communicating project goals, timelines, and criteria for completion

Support the startup and maintenance of pilot plant operations as appropriate

Implementation of knowledge management strategies to improve access and accuracy of technical data to the appropriate functions

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

Positive - Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.

Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions.

Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written word clearly and concisely.

Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.

Research Skills - Ability to design and conduct a systematic, objective, and critical investigation.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer Skills

Must be proficient with MS Office and have excellent Excel skills.

Other Requirements

BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of experience in formula and / or process development or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The estimated annual pay for this role is $109,000 to $116,000. This pay is an estimate and the exact compensation may vary depending on an applicant's location, skills, prior experience, professional qualifications, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may also include incentive compensation (i.e. bonus or commission) if applicable.

At Nordic Naturals, ‘step one’ toward achieving our goal of a healthy world is taking care of our family of employees. We offer a comprehensive and attractive benefits program to employees and eligible family members. Our benefits & perks include the following :

• Multiple Health Plan Options
• Dental & Vision
• Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan
• Access to Multiple EAP Plans
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)
• Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)
• Free Monthly Supplements
• Product Discount Program
• Wellness Coach

Nordic Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment.

At Nordic Naturals, we’re committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. Our award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients are research supported, expertly formulated, rigorously tested, proven effective and, best of all, great tasting. With products for the whole family, we deliver the nutrients essential for healthy living.

Nordic Naturals has been revolutionizing omega-3s since 1995, pioneering a new definition of fish oil as it relates to purity, freshness, taste, and dosage. Headquartered in Watsonville, CA, the company has expanded beyond solely omega-3s and offers complementary, foundational nutrients essential to health. Our portfolio, which is distributed to over 35 countries, includes more than 200 products in a variety of flavors and formulations for adults, kids, athletes, and pets. Family owned; Nordic Naturals works passionately to see generations of healthier, happier people around the world.

Salary : $109,000 - $116,000