Sr. Principal Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Principal Engineer (Sr. Packaging Engineer)

Location: Round Lake, IL Duration: 12 Months

Job Overview:

We are seeking a Sr. Principal Packaging Engineer for a contract role. This role involves leading and supporting sustaining packaging engineering efforts focused on quality and compliance , cost savings , and continuity of supply . Additionally, this engineer may contribute to new product development by designing and testing innovative packaging solutions and supporting plant-level packaging process qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and execute packaging engineering projects across Quality/CAPA , Regulatory Compliance , Supplier Change Notices , Cost Reduction , and New Product Introductions .

Manage multiple moderately complex projects or work within large-scale programs with minimal supervision.

Develop and execute testing protocols and support Change Control activities across cross-functional teams, including suppliers and manufacturing sites.

Approve new packaging systems and materials, recommend design/process improvements, and source alternative materials when needed.

Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project timelines and deliverables.

Generate cost savings initiatives and resolve complex packaging issues using critical thinking and DMAIC methodologies.

Support financial planning by contributing to cost justifications and project proposals.

Technical Scope:

Exposure to a wide range of packaging materials and processes including:

Flexible & rigid films

HDPE and foil pouches

Corrugated & protective packaging

Thermoforming , Flow-wrap , Form/Fill/Seal

Printing technologies , and other packaging methods.

Occasional travel to manufacturing plants and packaging suppliers is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Engineering or a relevant field (Mechanical, Chemical, or Biomedical Engineering).

• Minimum 5 years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in pharmaceutical or medical device industries.

• Strong proficiency in:

• Packaging materials & processes

• Problem-solving & statistical methods

• Design of Experiments (DOE)

• Hands-on experience with change control processes and methodologies.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects with urgency and ownership.

• Strong communication, presentation, and technical documentation skills.

• Ability to work in ambiguous environments and apply creative problem-solving .

• Lean manufacturing mindset; knowledge of standard work and continuous improvement principles.

• Preferred: Experience in the Medical Device or Pharmaceutical industry.