Packaging Engineer

Kitsch LLC • Los Angeles, CA

17h • $95,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Kitsch is a certified female and minority-owned global beauty brand sold in more than 32,000 retailers across 92 countries. The Packaging Engineer owns packaging from initial concept through production, ensuring packages function well for customers and are ready for launch. The role leads a Junior Packaging Engineer and collaborates with Packaging Design, Product Development, and Regulatory. The position is based in Los Angeles, California, with on-site attendance as needed, sometimes on the same day that packaging arrives for approval; candidates need to live nearby. Occasional travel may be required, up to once a year. The role is full-time, with a base salary of $95,000 to $125,000 depending on experience and skills.

Requirements

• 3 to 6 years of hands-on packaging engineering experience, ideally in beauty, personal care, or consumer packaged goods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with primary packaging for liquids and creams, including bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, sprayers, and closures.
• CAD skills using SolidWorks or similar software, and the ability to produce clear specifications.
• Experience testing with ISTA and ASTM methods.
• Direct experience working with overseas suppliers.
• Ability to keep projects current in Asana or a similar tool.
• Clear written English.
• Must live near Los Angeles, California, to attend on-site as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hair, body, fragrance, or retail-ready packaging.
• Knowledge of retailer rules, post-consumer recycled materials (PCR), and recyclability.
• Experience with ArtiosCAD, Esko, or dielines.
• Mentoring experience.
• Spanish or Mandarin language skills.
• Practical experience using AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Write the specifications and drawings suppliers use to build packaging.
• Run the test plan for each package before it goes to purchase order.
• Manage suppliers in Asia, Latin America, and the United States, including first-article checks and line trials.
• Identify and fix the root causes of packaging complaints to protect the brand’s 4.5-star standard.
• Own project timelines and flag risks early.
• Ensure packaging meets retailer requirements and California regulations.
• Reduce costs without compromising packaging appearance, feel, or function.
• Lead a Junior Packaging Engineer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level