Senior R&D Engineer - Packaging; Mansfield, MA

Life Unlimited

At Smith+Naphew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Join a high‑impact Product Development team at the forefront of sports medicine innovation. As a Senior R&D Engineer in Packaging, you will play a critical role in bringing life‑changing medical devices to market, shaping how products are protected, delivered, and experienced by clinicians and patients. This is an opportunity to work in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment where your ideas directly contribute to successful product launches and improved patient outcomes.

• Design and develop sterile and non‑sterile packaging systems for new product development and existing product lines.
• Lead packaging activities across the product lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
• Define packaging requirements using voice‑of‑customer insights from clinical and hospital environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Research and Development, Marketing, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Purchasing.
• Provide technical leadership and support to packaging engineers and project teams.
• Develop and execute packaging feasibility studies, design verification protocols, and reports.
• Manage project timelines, monitor progress, and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Partner with packaging suppliers to deliver innovative and effective solutions.
• Support design changes, engineering change requests, and CAPA activities.
• Contribute to cost estimation, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of experience in medical device or healthcare packaging development.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, GMP, ISO, ASTM, and ISTA standards.
• Experience designing packaging components using CAD software, with Solid Works preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in new product development within regulated environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams.
• Certified Packaging Professional and medical device experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10%, including internationally.

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $ – $ USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, job‑related knowledge/skills, geographical location. You will be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.

• 401(k) Matching Program, 401(k) Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible personal/vacation time off, paid holidays, flex holidays, paid community service day.
• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account (employer contribution of $500+ annually), employee assistance program, parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance program.
• Hands‑on training, team‑customized training, mentorship.
• Discounts on fitness clubs, travel, and more.
• Inclusion and Belonging – Committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on inclusion and belonging, learn more about employee inclusion groups on our website ().

Smith+Naphew follows the Pay Transparency and non‑discrimination provisions described by local and state policies. Smith+Naphew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.