Senior Packaging Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development

Job Description

As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will support the development and implementation of packaging solutions for Elanco’s global product development pipeline. This role focuses on development-stage products across pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine portfolios, with regular collaboration across global teams in the U.S. and Europe.

You will own packaging development activities for assigned projects, working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory partners to define, evaluate, and implement appropriate packaging solutions from early development through registration and commercial readiness. The role is well suited for a packaging engineer who enjoys hands‑on project ownership, technical problem solving, and working in a regulated development environment.

• Own packaging development activities for assigned projects, defining and implementing appropriate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions from early development through commercialization.
• Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert on cross‑functional project teams, with exposure to sterile and non‑sterile packaging systems.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate technical feasibility, processability, and transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.
• Plan, execute, and interpret packaging tests and machine trials, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and support documentation and registration activities.
• Author packaging registration documents and interact with the registration team as appropriate.
• Evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers to support compliant and efficient development solutions.
• Ensure packaging activities align with internal standards, external guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with global teams and external partners to support development timelines.

• Master’s degree in Packaging Technology or a related discipline, or a bachelor’s with 5 plus years of relevant/equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical drug product development.
• Experience with packaging in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, packaging development activities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with GMP principles and regulated development environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional and global teams.

• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs.
• Experience working with sterile manufacturing environments and container closure integrity (CCI) concepts.
• Prior experience authoring or supporting regulatory submissions related to packaging.
• Ability to manage multiple development projects in a global, cross‑functional environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability and ability to learn in a dynamic development setting.

• Travel: 10–20% annually
• Location:
  
  Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don’t necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid‑summer and year‑end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8‑week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

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