Job Description

Job Description

Company: Counter

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Location: Santa Monica, CA hybrid role 2-3x a week in office

Reports To: Director of Sourcing and Director of New Product Launches

About Us

We are a startup revolutionizing beauty with a purpose; create the industry standard of clean. Our premium skincare, makeup, and body care formulations combine uncompromising safety, efficacy and environmental responsibility. And our vision transcends products. We are committed to inspiring confident women (and others) to recognize their collective power to create meaningful change. Our innovative community-commerce ecosystem connects customers, beauty enthusiasts, and loyalists, allowing each person to align with our brand in ways that authentically reflect their values and aspirations. From our formulas to our advocacy efforts to our community connection, we lead clean.

The Role

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for developing, sourcing, and executing high-quality, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet brand, quality, and sustainability standards. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Operations, and Sourcing, to support new product launches and ongoing production needs.

The Packaging Engineer will oversee component development, supplier management, and production readiness while driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Development & Engineering

Translate creative design concepts into functional, manufacturable, and cost-effective packaging solutions

Collaborate with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing to ensure packaging aligns with brand standards, functionality, and cost objectives

Interpret and approve engineering documents, including die lines, material specifications, and technical drawings

Provide subject-matter expertise to ensure packaging feasibility and production readiness

Lead design reviews and recommend improvements to enhance sustainability, quality, and efficiency

Oversee tooling development, including status tracking, vendor coordination, and cost management

Supplier Management & Sourcing

Lead supplier evaluations, RFQs, and cost of goods (COGs) analyses to ensure quality, value, and timely delivery

Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging vendors and contract manufacturers

Identify cost drivers and apply a total cost of ownership approach to decision-making

Manage packaging component orders and monitor supplier performance for cost, quality, and delivery

Conduct on-site visits for supplier assessments, color matching, and first production runs as needed

Production Planning & Quality Assurance

Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure on-time delivery of packaging components for production and new product launches

Oversee packaging inventory levels to support production planning and business continuity

Support first production runs through on-site quality assurance and troubleshooting

Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Planning, and Logistics to ensure readiness for on-time launches

Drive initiatives to reduce waste, streamline processes, and improve overall packaging sustainability

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Develop and implement best-in-class packaging development processes, documentation, and tools

Partner with Product Development, Regulatory, Planning, Finance, and Logistics to ensure seamless cross-functional alignment

Champion continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to operational excellence

Support packaging technology transfers and process standardization across product lines

Qualifications Required

Bachelors degree in Packaging Science, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field

5-6+ years of experience in packaging development, preferably within the beauty, skincare, or consumer goods industry

Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and structural engineering principles

Proven experience conducting RFQs, COGs analyses, and managing supplier relationships

Excellent communication, organization, and project management skills

Advanced Excel proficiency and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle)

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Preferred

Experience with sustainability initiatives and waste-reduction strategies

Knowledge of clean beauty standards and eco-conscious materials

Familiarity with PLM systems and technical documentation best practices

Willingness to travel for supplier meetings, production evaluations, and quality reviews

Counter is a people-powered movement that starts with those behind it! We're building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, where every individual is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

We know that different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives make us stronger, more creative, and better equipped to drive change. Thats why were committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone belongs.

Counter is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage all individuals to apply and join us in shaping a cleaner, more inclusive future for all.

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