Principal Packaging Engineer

About the role

The Principal Packaging Engineer is a key member of the Packaging Development function, supporting the design, development, verification, and continuous improvement of packaging systems for sterile medical devices. This role partners with cross-functional teams to commercialize new products, enhance existing packaging solutions, and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality requirements across the product lifecycle.

This position may be based in Rice Creek (West), MN or Plymouth (Berkshire), MN and follows a flex work model with four days onsite and one day remote each week. Up to 10% travel may be required in this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and verification of packaging systems and components for sterile medical devices, including products sterilized using Ethylene Oxide, Steam, and Gamma methods.
• Develop and execute packaging verification strategies, including protocol development, testing, analysis, and technical reporting to support product release.
• Evaluate packaging materials and processes and implement improvements that enhance product quality, performance, manufacturability, and compliance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support product commercialization, sustaining engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage shelf-life and biocompatibility testing activities for new packaging material combinations and packaging system changes.
• Apply Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and packaging industry requirements to ensure compliant package design and validation.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, and material approval activities while serving as a technical liaison with packaging vendors.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Packaging Engineers and Associate Packaging Engineers as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of professional experience, or advanced degree with 5+ years of professional experience.
• Experience developing, validating, or supporting packaging systems for regulated products.
• Experience authoring technical documentation, including protocols, reports, specifications, or validation documentation.
• Experience supporting Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of medical device packaging experience or related medical device industry experience.
• Experience working with ISO, ASTM International (ASTM), and packaging-related standards.
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, and implementing process or material improvements.
• Demonstrated analytical, decision-making, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.
• For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Physical Job Requirements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position. The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship

At Medtronic, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Compensation

Salary ranges for U.S. (excl. PR) locations (USD): $124,000.00 – $186,000.00

This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP). The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location.

Benefits

• Health, Dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability leave
• Dependent daycare spending account
• Tuition assistance/reimbursement
• Simple Steps (global well-being program)
• Incentive plans
• 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match
• Short-term disability
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
• Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums)

Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.