About Universal Yums
Since 2014, Universal Yums has brought a taste of the world to over 1 million households in the USA. Our flagship product is a box of snacks and treats delivered from a different country every month. We place our highest aspiration in developing cultural understanding through products that educate, entertain, and bring families closer together. At Universal Yums, our mission is to “Connect people across borders, kin, and time”. Learn more about Universal Yums at .
Job Summary
Universal Yums is looking for a Senior Packaging Engineer to join our Brand & Creative team on a project-based freelance basis. This role sits at the intersection of structural engineering and creative execution — serving as a technical partner to our designers, writers, and operations team as we develop and launch new product categories. You'll ensure that creative concepts are manufacturable, cost-effective and adequately protects the product inside, and set up for flawless execution, with involvement from early concept through final production sign-off. This role places particular emphasis on rapid prototyping and clear communication with manufacturers.
Role Responsibilities
- Translate approved design concepts into 3D packaging structures that meet product requirements across a range of formats, including flexible pouches, rigid cartons, glass and plastic jars, bottles, and sachets
- Produce accurate dielines for the creative team to use as design templates, ensuring all files include correct material callouts and are technically sound for artwork production
- Build and iterate on physical prototypes and mockups in-house — using 3D printing, custom cutting machinery, or local makers — to test designs quickly before engaging manufacturers for formal samples
- Recommend tools and equipment for establishing a fast-prototyping capability within the team (e.g., 3D printer, Cricut or similar cutting machine) and train team members on their use
- Ensure packaging specifications consistently align with established cost targets, production timelines, and quality standards throughout each project
- Co-review and approve final manufacturer dielines alongside the Creative team prior to production sign-off
- Evaluate physical samples upon arrival, formally document any structural or print issues, and drive resolution directly with the manufacturer
- Attend key creative reviews in an advisory capacity, flagging structural or format constraints early in the process without redirecting design decisions
- Partner with the Operations team to optimize packaging formats for shipping and fulfillment requirements, balancing creative ambition with production practicality
Required Experiences & Skills
- 7+ years of packaging engineering experience, must have recent experience with CPG.
- Hands-on experience with structural dieline development across a range of packaging formats (flexible pouches, rigid cartons, glass/plastic jars, bottles, sachets)
- Proven experience working directly with overseas manufacturers, particularly China-based suppliers
- Proficiency in structural design software such as ArtiosCAD, CAPE, or equivalent
- Comfort with rapid prototyping methods and genuine enthusiasm for building in-house tooling capabilities
- Strong cross-functional communication skills — able to work fluidly with designers, copywriters, and operations teams
- Detail-oriented with a strong sense of quality; you catch issues before they become problems at the factory
- Based in the New Jersey or New York metro area, with ability to come on-site to our Roseland, NJ office for working sessions, reviews, and key project milestones
Pay: From $85.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
