Packaging Engineer

Contract: 12-Month Contract

Shift: 8AM to 5PM (Mon - Fri)

We’re seeking a Packaging Engineer to support the Pharmaceutical R&D segment. This contract role performs sustaining engineering on current product packaging and processes, and supports new product introductions when needed. You’ll focus on quality and compliance, continuity of supply, and cost savings while collaborating closely with manufacturing plants, suppliers, and cross‑functional R&D teams. Occasional travel to manufacturing sites and suppliers may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead/contribute to packaging projects including Quality/CAPA, Regulatory Compliance, Supplier Changes, Cost Savings, and New Product Introductions.
• Manage multiple moderate-complexity projects, plan schedules, and drive to milestones with minimal supervision.
• Develop and execute test protocols, participate in Change Control activities, and interface with manufacturing and suppliers.
• Approve new packaging materials/systems and recommend improvements to reduce cost or improve performance.
• Create packaging material specifications, drawings, and procedural documentation to support product/packaging configurations.
• Apply DMAIC and critical-thinking to resolve packaging issues and generate cost‑savings ideas.
• Support financial planning and perform analyses to justify project approvals.

Mandatory Skills (Required)

• B.S. in Packaging or relevant Engineering degree (Mechanical, Chemical, Biomedical) and minimum 5 years’ experience.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials and processes (flexible/rigid films, HDPE/foil pouches, corrugated, thermoforming, flow‑wrap, form/fill/seal, printing).
• Experience with change control, development methodology, and packaging qualification protocols.
• Proficiency in problem analysis/resolution, statistical methods, and design of experiments.
• Proven project management experience and ability to meet aggressive milestones.
• Cross‑functional collaboration skills (technical and non‑technical stakeholders).
• Ability to work onsite in Round Lake, IL (with potential 2 days/week remote).

Good-to-Have Skills (Preferred)

• Experience in the medical or pharmaceutical device field.
• Hands-on exposure to packaging equipment qualification and supplier audits.
• Lean principles experience and familiarity with standard work implementation.
• Advanced training/certification in packaging engineering or quality methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Experience generating financial justification and cost‑savings analysis for packaging changes.