Packaging Engineer 3

About the role

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 responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority on product design, protection, and delivery, from primary packaging (plastic bottles, laminate films) to corrugated and insulated systems for global distribution.
• Lead new product packaging projects end-to-end: partner with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to design solutions; develop and own material specifications; run ISTA/ASTM distribution challenge tests; and travel to vendor sites to audit production firsthand.
• Apply continuous improvement to existing packaging systems through root cause analysis, process capability studies, and cost reduction initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align packaging strategies with business goals and regulatory compliance.
• Champion sustainable packaging initiatives and identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality.
• Build and maintain strong vendor and stakeholder relationships; negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in packaging engineering and implement improvements to enhance performance and efficiency.
• Conduct independent analysis to address complex packaging problems and contribute to the development and review of engineering standards.
• Demonstrate inclusion through actions, maintain a safe workspace, and uphold Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements applicable to the business.

Requirements

• B.S. in Packaging Engineering.
• 4 to 8 years of packaging experience in a manufacturing environment in the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, or beverage industry.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, SolidWorks, and CAD; statistical software experience desired.
• Experience with automated packaging equipment, packaging materials and components, performance evaluations, conducting distribution challenge testing, and design control.

Preferred qualifications

• Certified Packaging Engineer with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.
• Experience with molded plastic containers and closure systems.
• Experience in an ISO 9000, FDA cGMP, or USDA regulated environment.
• Experience managing technical projects (equipment and/or facilities) to successful completion.
• Six Sigma methods and tools as needed.
• Cross-functional team experience, including technical and non-technical collaboration.
• Ability to organize and present technical and project management overviews to non-technical audiences.

Physical demands

• Ability to work in labs, manufacturing facilities, and office settings.
• Occasional travel to vendors, trade shows, and other company sites.
• Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office applications.
• Adaptability to changing project needs and work environments, including rearranging physical setup.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in manufacturing environments, including safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.