R&D Packaging Scientist 1 (Recent Grad Starting in 2027)

Clorox • Pleasanton, CA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Clorox’s Research and Development organization develops consumer products from concept through commercialization and brings together engineers, scientists, packaging experts, and technicians. The R&D Packaging Scientist enables packaging innovation that supports profitable growth by delivering optimized solutions that meet consumer needs, elevate brand equity, improve the consumer experience, and advance sustainability and design.

The role applies engineering principles to packaging development and works with R&D Product and Process Development, Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain. Responsibilities span conceptual design, prototyping, mechanical and chemical performance testing, consumer testing, laboratory validation, tooling qualification, scale-up, production, manufacturing, and supply chain. The position also manages packaging specifications and supports commercialization through test methods, pilot and production trials, troubleshooting, and technical risk management.

This is a hybrid role intended for recent graduates finishing their studies between December 2026 and August 2027. Clorox describes a values-based, inclusive culture and offers comprehensive benefits, including health plans, a 401(k) program with company match, flexible time off, and fertility and adoption benefits. The position is eligible to participate in Clorox incentive plans.

Requirements

• Graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Ability to work in a laboratory with various materials, including dust.
• Fine motor skills to prototype samples.
• Knowledge of ASTM packaging testing methods.
• Working knowledge of packaging software such as ArtiosCAD and TOPS.
• Ability to learn quickly and demonstrate strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively.
• Confident self-starter and critical thinker, able to work independently and cross-functionally with minimal supervision and direction in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative packaging that delivers a superior consumer experience while meeting functional, regulatory, and brand requirements.
• Own end-to-end development of packaging solutions, from conceptual design and prototyping through performance testing, lab validation, tooling qualification, scale-up, production, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Apply engineering principles to solve complex packaging challenges.
• Create and manage packaging specifications, including fill weights, pallet configurations, and cube information for primary, secondary, tertiary, and display packaging components.
• Create assembly diagrams that support successful product launches.
• Develop and apply SOPs, test methods, and best practices.
• Lead pilot and production trials for new packaging components, analyze results, troubleshoot issues, and provide insights that support scale-up and product launches.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to interpret data, meet project objectives, improve efficiency, and manage technical risk.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plans.
• Market-leading 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible time off benefits, including half-day summer Fridays depending on location.
• Fertility and adoption benefits.
• Eligibility to participate in Clorox incentive plans.

What This Job Offers

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