Packaging Engineer

Carex is partnering with a Biotechnology industry partner to hire a Packaging Engineer who will lead the development, design, and implementation of packaging solutions for new and existing products. This role serves as a technical resource across packaging design, materials, testing, quality, and manufacturing while managing projects from concept through implementation. The Packaging Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally to improve packaging performance, support regulatory compliance, advance sustainability initiatives, and identify opportunities for cost and process improvements.

Must be onsite in the Madison, WI area.

• Lead packaging design and development projects from concept through implementation, incorporating appropriate technologies, materials, and manufacturing considerations.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and other cross‑functional stakeholders to develop effective packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Develop, maintain, and improve packaging material and component specifications.
• Evaluate packaging materials and systems, including molded plastic containers, closure systems, laminate films, corrugated packaging, and insulated shipping solutions.
• Plan and execute packaging performance evaluations and distribution challenge testing using applicable ISTA and ASTM standards.
• Support packaging design control activities and ensure solutions meet applicable quality, regulatory, and business requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex packaging and manufacturing issues using root cause analysis, process capability studies, statistical methods, and other engineering tools.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance packaging performance, efficiency, quality, and manufacturability.
• Champion sustainable packaging initiatives and identify cost‑reduction opportunities without compromising product quality or performance.
• Support automated packaging equipment and processes, including evaluation and implementation of improvements.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers and vendors, monitor supplier performance, and participate in vendor audits and technical evaluations.
• Stay current on emerging packaging technologies, materials, processes, and industry trends and evaluate opportunities for implementation.
• Contribute to the development and review of engineering standards and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Organize and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Travel occasionally to vendor locations, trade shows, and other sites as needed.
• Work safely across laboratory, manufacturing, and office environments while following applicable ethical, legal, quality, and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering.
• 4–8 years of packaging engineering experience within a manufacturing environment, ideally supporting biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, beverage, or another regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, components, design principles, manufacturing processes, and performance evaluation methods.
• Experience conducting distribution challenge testing and supporting packaging design control activities.
• Experience working with automated packaging equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to independently address complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and collaborating effectively across technical and non‑technical functions.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship‑building, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office…