What’s Next: The New Jobs Emerging in Printing & Packaging

By Shannon Polaski-Buchholz, Founder – Flexo Finders & Print Pack Careers

The printing and packaging industry is at a major turning point. While the foundation of our work remains rooted in craftsmanship and quality, the future is calling—and it’s bringing a whole new wave of opportunity with it.

Between automation, sustainability, smart technology, and the rise of e-commerce, we’re going to see job titles that didn’t even exist a decade ago become essential to how this industry runs.

So, what roles will we be recruiting for in the next 5–10 years? Let’s take a look.

🌱 1. Sustainable Packaging Engineer

As eco-friendly materials and zero-waste manufacturing become the norm, companies will need engineers who can rethink structure, material, and performance—all while reducing environmental impact.Expect to see expertise in biodegradable films, recyclable substrates, and circular design take center stage.

📦 2. Smart Packaging Developer

QR codes and track-and-trace tech are just the beginning. As packaging becomes more interactive and intelligent, developers will be needed to integrate sensors, NFC, and AR into packaging designs that connect with consumers and gather real-time data.

⚙️ 3. Automation Specialist / Pressroom Technologist

Traditional press operators are evolving into tech-driven machine specialists. These pros won’t just run presses—they’ll troubleshoot robotics, program automated workflows, and keep Industry 4.0 systems running smoothly.

🖨️ 4. Digital Press Operator (Advanced)

Digital presses are booming, and with them comes the need for tech-savvy operators who understand color management, variable data, and workflow integration. Experience with presses like HP Indigo, Domino, or EFI will become increasingly valuable.

🎨 5. Packaging Design Engineer

More than just prepress, this role blends structural design, function, and branding—especially for e-commerce. The goal? Create packaging that protects, impresses, and ships efficiently, all while enhancing the customer experience.

🧪 6. Materials Scientist – Packaging Focus

As materials get smarter and more sustainable, we’ll see growing demand for materials scientists who can research and develop substrates that are lighter, stronger, and greener.

📬 7. E-Commerce Packaging Specialist

This role will focus entirely on optimizing packaging for the online marketplace. Think custom-fit boxes, ship-in-own-container designs, frustration-free openings, and fewer returns due to damage.

🔁 8. Tech–Production Manager

Tomorrow’s production managers will need to do more than manage shift schedules. They’ll oversee a hybrid workforce of people and machines, interpret production data in real time, and drive efficiency using smart systems.

The Bottom Line

The printing and packaging industry is not slowing down—it’s transforming. We’re entering a future where talent needs are more specialized, tech-forward, and sustainability-driven than ever before.

At Flexo Finders and Print Pack Careers, we’re not just watching the changes—we’re preparing for them. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, now is the time to start thinking ahead.

Let’s build the future of this industry—together.

📩 spolaski@flexofinders.net🌐 www.flexofinders.com | www.printpackcareers.com