Senior Manager, Packaging Development & Engineering

amika means friend. we’re a fearless, Brooklyn-born, salon-raised haircare brand + a friend to all hair, hairstylists, the planet + you. 

we’re rooted in clinical results. each product is infused with our intoxicating scent + powered by our superfruit soul, sea buckthorn. known as one of earth’s most omega-rich plant sources, this potent berry nourishes your skin, scalp + strands. 

we’re a proud pal to the planet + certified B-Corp. from sustainably sourced ingredients + recyclable packaging to our energy-saving production processes, we pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, waste + energy to reach Net Zero by 2030. 

having grown up in salons, we know better than anyone how important stylists are—they’re our confidantes + community. Think of us as your at-home hairapist, here to empower self-expression + bring joy to your haircare experience. all hair is welcome™. 

the job:

the senior manager, packaging development & engineering is responsible for leading amika's packaging development engineering team and providing the technical expertise required to successfully develop and commercialize packaging across the product portfolio.

the senior manager will directly manage, mentor, and develop packaging development engineers while serving as the team's senior technical resource and first point of escalation for complex packaging development, engineering, manufacturing, and quality challenges.

the ideal candidate is an experienced packaging engineer who enjoys developing people, solving complex technical problems, and remaining close to the work. this individual will ensure the team has the direction, technical support, and resources needed to independently execute successful packaging from concept through commercialization.

salary: $125,000–$145,000 based on years of experience

location: Brooklyn, NY (must be based in NY + have the right to work in the US)

what you'll do:

• manage, mentor, and develop packaging engineers, providing day-to-day leadership, technical guidance, prioritization, and support.
• personally lead packaging development projects from concept through commercialization, while overseeing execution across the broader team portfolio.
• serve as the team's senior technical resource and escalation point for complex packaging development, engineering, manufacturing, and quality challenges.
• drive day-to-day development activities including supplier engagement, sampling, prototype evaluation, tooling, testing, qualification, trials, specifications, and production approval.
• develop packaging solutions that balance design intent, functionality, quality, manufacturability, cost, sustainability, and timing.
• provide hands-on engineering expertise across component design, materials, tooling, manufacturing processes, compatibility, testing, and qualification.
• develop, review, and approve packaging specifications, technical drawings, boms, dimensions, tolerances, and component standards.
• lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause investigations, identifying risks and driving solutions and corrective actions.
• oversee packaging testing and qualification requirements, including compatibility, functionality, transit, line trials, and component performance.
• partner directly with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers on capability assessments, development, trials, production start-ups, technical issues, and continuous improvement.
• partner cross-functionally with creative, marketing, r&d, project management, procurement, quality, operations, supply chain, and regulatory to execute packaging programs.
• partner with procurement on supplier performance, cost optimization, technical capability, and innovation opportunities.
• drive continuous improvement of packaging development and engineering practices while contributing technical expertise to broader packaging strategy.

must haves:

• bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, packaging science, mechanical engineering, or a related technical discipline strongly preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive packaging development and engineering experience, preferably within beauty, personal care, cpg, or a related consumer products industry.
• strong hands-on packaging engineering background with demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical and manufacturing challenges.
• experience leading, mentoring, and/or managing packaging engineers or other technical professionals.
• strong knowledge of packaging materials, component design, tooling, manufacturing processes, specifications, tolerances, compatibility, testing, qualification, and commercialization.
• experience developing primary and secondary packaging from concept through production and working directly with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, organizational, and project management skills.
• strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills with the confidence to challenge assumptions and advocate for technically sound solutions.
• ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

ready to apply?

please click the link below that will bring you to our careers page where you can submit your application + resume (cover letter optional). a member of our team will be in touch soon!