CPG Packaging Designer

near Reston, VA

Are you looking to join a creative and collaborative environment where you can lead packaging design projects from concept through production for consumer-facing products? This opportunity as a CPG Packaging Designer focuses on developing innovative retail packaging solutions, supporting commercialization efforts, collaborating with vendors and internal teams, and ensuring packaging meets brand, quality, and production standards. This role is ideal for someone with strong packaging design experience who enjoys blending creativity with technical execution in a fast-paced CPG environment.

Responsibilities

• Design compelling packaging artwork for retail and consumer product lines
• Create 3D packaging mockups for presentations, approvals, and internal reviews
• Develop packaging structures, dielines, material specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and technical packaging documentation
• Partner with cross-functional teams during packaging line trials and production start-ups to ensure successful execution of structural and design requirements
• Travel to printing vendors for first-run press checks and production oversight approximately once per month
• Identify and support packaging cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining technical and brand requirements
• Ensure packaging complies with regulatory, legal, and brand standards
• Collaborate with teams to integrate sustainable packaging materials and environmentally conscious solutions
• Coordinate packaging projects from concept through commercial launch with internal teams and external vendors
• Build and manage project timelines while communicating milestones, technical risks, and project updates to leadership
• Manage relationships with printing vendors regarding materials, finishes, structures, and production specifications
• Support additional creative initiatives including digital assets, presentations, and marketing collateral as needed
• Maintain strong attention to detail while managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Support brand consistency, packaging functionality, and print production quality across all deliverables
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Marketing, or related field preferred
• 3–5 years of experience in CPG packaging design required
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience creating 3D mockups using Blender or comparable 3D software
• Solid understanding of packaging production processes, print specifications, and packaging materials
• Experience managing packaging projects from concept through final production
• Strong project management, organizational, and multitasking abilities
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Comfortable traveling to vendor facilities approximately once per month
• Experience within food & beverage or consumer packaged goods industries preferred
• Experience with Canva and AI-powered design tools preferred
• Microsoft 365 proficiency including PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook preferred

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Hybrid work schedule (2 days remote, 3 days on-site)
• Career growth opportunities
• Collaborative team environment

Pay Range: $80k