Apex Systems is hiring: Packaging Designer in San Diego

Job Overview

Our client in the retail space is hiring a Packaging Designer with prior packaging experience in food or beverage to join their growing team on a contract basis. This will be 30-40 hours per week, for at least 3 months. Ideally you are in CA or on PST to be considered. Must show packaging design samples to be considered and MUST have strong Food or Bev packaging experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Packaging Designers on developing and refining packaging across multiple new and existing brands.
• Design packaging layouts across a wide range of product categories.
• Translate brand strategy and creative direction into packaging visuals and typography, hierarchy, and messaging systems.
• Create dieline based packaging files and ensure print readiness according to vendor specifications.
• Develop supporting visual assets (icons, patterns, illustrations) aligned to brand personality and tone.
• Support versioning, resizing, and SKU adaptations within packaging families.
• Conduct light photo retouching, cropping, or compositing as needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Merchandising, Brand, and Sourcing teams to ensure packaging aligns with product and shelf strategies.
• Manage multiple deadlines while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably in consumer goods, pet, retail, or private label.
• Strong portfolio showcasing packaging work that demonstrates layout, hierarchy, color, typography, and illustration sensibility.
• Experience working within brand systems and applying guidelines across many SKUs.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop); familiarity with digital asset management tools a plus.
• Understanding of print production processes, file setup, color management, and working with dielines.
• Ability to receive and implement feedback quickly and collaboratively.
• A passion for creating packaging that feels fresh, engaging, and consumer-friendly.

In this position, you may have access to client or customer systems, confidential and/or proprietary information or data.

Benefits

Creative Circle's Freelance Employee benefits package includes eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) medical plan, dental/vision/term life package, discount prescription program, critical illness, accident, tele-behavioral health, and 401(k) plan. Sick leave is provided to Candidates whose assignment work location is in a state or city subject to sick leave laws. A Minimum Value (MV) PPO medical plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and paid holiday eligibility are based on length and dates of service.