Global Packaging Development Scientist

Mars is seeking a Global Packaging Development Scientist in Chicago, IL, to create innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. The role involves leading packaging projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, over 5 years of relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills. The position focuses on project delivery, sustainability initiatives, and capability building within the organization.
Job Description:

The Global Packaging Development Scientist will champion the creation of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer and consumer needs, while advancing the company’s quality and operational goals. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners, this role will ensure that packaging plays a central role in product success, guaranteeing project execution with excellence in quality, cost, and timing. The expertise brought to this position will help establish packaging as a key lever for growth, efficiency, and circularity.



What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a technical discipline; science, engineering, packaging/product design or equivalent

5 years+ of job experience in the area of packaging development, packaging engineering or a technically related discipline

Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Fluent in English (verbally and written)

Excellent interpersonal skills, e.g. communication, relationship building, networking, team work



Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a technical discipline; science, engineering or packaging/product design



What are your key responsibilities?

Packaging Project Delivery

Lead packaging development projects from concept through implementation, ensuring innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Manage timelines, budgets, and technical quality of deliverables.

Design and develop new packaging concepts, executing projects from ideation through manufacturing startup, translating development briefs into final pack formats (primary, secondary, and tertiary).

Accountable for concept and design work during the framing stage, contributing to Desirability/Feasibility/Viability (DVF) assessments including financials, material and machinery design and optimization, trialling, and start up.



Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as the packaging workstream leader, working closely with Sourcing, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Marketing teams to improve systems and documentation and develop new process and concepts.

Collaborate with global teams to ensure compliance with quality and sustainability requirements.



Compliance and Sustainability

Evaluate packaging portfolios against regulatory requirements (e.g., California SB 54), identify gaps and optimization opportunities, and ensure data accuracy for regulatory submissions and traceability.

Lead plastic reduction initiatives aligned with sustainability targets.



Capability Building and Training

Provide technical leadership and training to teams, fostering capacity building in packaging innovation and sustainability.



Networking and Technical Updates

Stay current with emerging packaging technologies, materials, and sustainable solutions by engaging with external networks, trade fairs, and industry experts.





What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.



Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.



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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.





The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00