Senior R&D Manager - Packaging; Memphis, TN

parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

Feb 17, 2026

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Join us in a highly influential role where you will shape packaging innovation across our Orthopaedic medical device portfolio. This is an opportunity to lead a talented team, work cross functionally on critical programs and elevate the packaging strategy for products that make a meaningful impact for patients around the world.

What will you be doing?

Lead the design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions across product lines, ensuring all designs meet product and user needs requirements including labelling and sterilization

Oversee all packaging engineering activities related to new product development and guide product teams on cost effective, high quality compliant packaging options

Provide ongoing engineering support for packaging on existing products and develop packaging systems and components for new and current devices

Work directly with R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Regulatory management on packaging development initiations.

Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance to define requirements for package inserts, testing, labelling and technical documentation

Review and approve packaging and labelling specifications while ensuring alignment with quality system expectations

Review and approve packaging protocols, reports and related technical documents.

Mentor, coach and develop junior engineers and technicians to build technical strength within the team

Support Operations in optimizing packaging related equipment and processes in our manufacturing facilities

Lead and support packaging sustainability initiatives

Provide recommendations at technical reviews and collaborate across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Product Management to deliver effective packaging solutions.

What will you need to be successful?

A BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or a related design or science field with seven years of related experience, or an MS in Engineering or Science with five years of related experience

At least three years of experience managing direct and indirect reports in a technical environment

Strong competency in packaging design, analytical problem solving

Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, and ISO packaging test methods and requirements.

Competency of BS EN ISO 11607-1 and 2.

Understanding of packaging manufacturing techniques and the ability to work autonomously while influencing senior stakeholders

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ().

Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement

Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day

Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program

Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

Smith+Nephew 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.

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