Sr Packaging Engineer

OUR TEAM
At Promega, our Packaging Engineering team sits at the intersection of science and craftsmanship where your work directly enables life science discoveries to reach labs around the world. We're a collaborative group embedded within a larger organization that spans R&D, manufacturing, quality, and global logistics, which means you'll never be working in a silo. We collaborate on new product launches, ensure our material specs accurately describe our needs, and hold ourselves to a high bar on both technical rigor and cross-functional partnership. Curiosity and a genuine respect for each other's expertise aren't just values, they shape how we actually work day-to-day.

YOUR ROLE
As a Packaging Engineer, you'll be a technical authority on how our products are designed, protected, and delivered, from primary packaging like plastic bottles and laminate films to the corrugated and insulated systems that get products safely across the globe. You'll lead new product packaging projects end-to-end: partnering with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to design new solutions; developing and owning material specifications; running ISTA/ASTM distribution challenge tests; and traveling to vendor sites to audit production firsthand. Beyond new development, you'll apply continuous improvement thinking to existing packaging systems by digging into root cause analysis, conducting process capability studies, and identifying cost reduction opportunities that have real business impact. If you're the kind of engineer who's equally comfortable in a lab, on a manufacturing floor, and presenting project status to leadership, this role was built for you.

JOB OBJECTIVE: Support rapid business growth by leading the development, design, and project management of new product launch and packaging projects, to include new packaging designs, material conversion /cost reductions and Quality and Regulatory compliance. Identify, assess, and implement new opportunities / projects through frequent interaction with manufacturing, R&D, and outside material suppliers. Interface with equipment and packaging component suppliers to ensure that the technical needs of the manufacturing facilities are being met on a consistent basis.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Packaging Design - Work with Dispensing, Kit Packaging, New Product Realization (NPR), and Marketing personnel as well as vendors to develop packaging designs, materials, and processes for new products. Identify or design product primary packaging (plastic bottles and induction seal closures, laminate films, glass vials/bottles, rubber stoppers and crimp seals) secondary packaging (labels, cartons thermoforms) and distribution packaging (corrugated, insulated containers and foam). Work with internal scientific staff and external test labs to qualify new or revised packaging or delivery methods. Act as technical liaison to vendors in development of specifications. Travel to vendors to observe and audit production runs, processes, and specifications.

2. Packaging Documentation and Quality - Accountable and responsible for the quality of all packaging materials. Develop and maintain Material Specifications for all primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials. Apply quality engineering, statistical analysis, and experimental design techniques to perform root cause analysis for resolution of material quality problems. Perform process capability studies, set specifications for in-process inspection or QC tests, and perform process validation studies. Support packaging process validation work, as required.

3. Packaging Testing - Use Packaging Engineering Laboratory equipment, and test methods to conduct shipping studies of products to different geographies around the world. Interpret the data generated during the testing to draw conclusions and recommend package design changes that might resolve deficiencies in the original package design. Use applicable packaging laws, guidance for industry, industry-recognized standards, and test methods (ASTM, ISTA, ISO, USP, etc....)

4. Process Improvement/Cost Reduction - Investigate and analyze existing manufacturing processes for on-going continuous improvement in the areas of quality, cost, throughput, capability, efficiency, workflow, and overall resource utilization. Monitor available technologies in packaging materials and processes to identify and implement opportunities for improvement. Work with vendors and outside resources in the continuous improvement of packaging materials and processes. Recommend and implement new or improved packaging processes and facilities. Lead efforts to develop product cost data (materials, labor, and overhead) and collaborate with Promega personnel and suppliers to implement targeted cost reductions in product processing, as relates to packaging materials and designs.

5. Project Management - Facilitate cross-functional teams to develop project objectives, evaluate alternative approaches, and develop detailed plans and timelines. Communicate and present project status reports to management and company personnel. Monitor project progress and work with team members and management to address issues.

6. Mentor other Packaging personnel and interns to accomplish new package development, maintain packaging documentation and perform internal and external packaging testing.

7. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

8. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega's 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

9. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. B.S. in Packaging Engineering.

2. 5 to 10 years of packaging experience in a manufacturing environment in the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, or beverage industry.

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

4. Computer skills including MS office - Statistical software experience desired.

5. Experience with automated packaging equipment, packaging materials and components, performance evaluations, conducting distribution challenge testing, design control, and relevant 2D/3D CAD programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certified Packaging Engineer with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

2. Experience with molded plastic containers and closure systems.

3. Experience with automated packaging equipment.

4. Experience in an ISO 9000, FDA cGMP, or USDA regulated environment.

5. Experience managing technical (equipment and/or facilities) projects to successful completion.

6. Six Sigma methods and tools as needed.

7. Cross-functional team experience, including technical and non-technical work.

8. Ability to organize and present technical and project management overviews.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to observe and inspect equipment and operations for proper operation and compliance with safety and housekeeping standards.

2. Ability to work in a production environment around automated equipment.

3. Ability to work in an office environment utilizing a computer workstation.

4. Ability to work in a lab environment with chemical, biological, and packaging materials.

5. Ability to travel by car or airplane, for one or several days, to suppliers, equipment vendors, trade shows, etc.

At Promega, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating a culture where everyone belongs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that employment decisions are made fairly and equitably.