Packaging Engineer 2 - Promega

OUR TEAM:
The packaging engineering team is made up 5 packaging engineers and 1 industrial engineer with varied industry experiences and lengths of service providing you a great ability to both learn and share your experience with others.  We also rotate through 2 interns each year who help keep our on-site prototype and testing lab moving. We work with a broad range of packaging from bottles, caps, vials, and tubes for reagent packaging to foam and corrugated for instrument packaging.  We have full design and prototyping capabilities for all materials in-house.

YOUR ROLE:
This role is an additional engineer to help with both our growing Customs business and our proprietary catalog items.  You’ll get exposed to everything from design to product launches and interface with a broad array of groups within the company from Marketing and Product Management to Purchasing, Production and Equipment engineering.

JOB OBJECTIVE: Support rapid business growth by leading the development, design, and project management of new product launch and packaging projects, to include new packaging designs, material conversion /cost reductions and Quality and Regulatory compliance. Identify, assess and implement new opportunities / projects through frequent interaction with manufacturing, R&D, and outside material suppliers. Interface with equipment and packaging component suppliers to ensure that the technical needs of the manufacturing facilities are being met on a consistent basis.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Packaging Design - Work with Dispensing, Kit Packaging, New Product Realization (NPR), and Marketing personnel as well as vendors to develop packaging designs, materials, and processes for new products. Identify or design product primary packaging (plastic bottles and induction seal closures, laminate films, glass vials/bottles, rubber stoppers and crimp seals) secondary packaging (labels, cartons thermoforms) and distribution packaging (corrugated, insulated containers and foam). Work with internal scientific staff and external test labs to qualify new or revised packaging or delivery methods. Act as technical liaison to vendors in development of specifications. Travel to vendors to observe and audit production runs, processes, and specifications.

2. Packaging Documentation and Quality – Accountable and responsible for the quality of all packaging materials. Develop and maintain Material Specifications for all primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials. Apply quality engineering, statistical analysis, and experimental design techniques to perform root cause analysis for resolution of material quality problems. Perform process capability studies, set specifications for in-process inspection or QC tests, and perform process validation studies. Support packaging process validation work, as required.

3. Packaging Testing - Use Packaging Engineering Laboratory equipment, and test methods to conduct shipping studies of product to different geographies around the world. Interpret the data generated during the testing to draw conclusions and recommend package design changes that might resolve deficiencies in the original package design. Use applicable packaging laws, guidance for industry, industry-recognized standards and test methods (ASTM, ISTA, ISO, USP, etc.)

4. Process Improvement/Cost Reduction - Investigate and analyze existing manufacturing processes for on-going continuous improvement in the areas of quality, cost, throughput, capability, efficiency, workflow, and overall resource utilization. Monitor available technologies in packaging materials and processes to identify and implement opportunities for improvement. Work with vendors and outside resources in the continuous improvement of packaging materials and processes. Recommend and implement new or improved packaging processes and facilities. Lead efforts to develop product cost data (materials, labor, and overhead) and collaborate with Promega personnel and suppliers to implement targeted cost reductions in product processing, as relates to packaging materials and designs.

5. Project Management – Participate in cross-functional teams to support project objectives, evaluate alternative packaging approaches, and develop detailed plans and timelines. Communicate and present project status reports to teams. Monitor project progress and work with team members to address issues.

6. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

7. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

8. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. B.S. in Packaging Engineering.

2. 3 to 5 years of packaging experience in a manufacturing environment in the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, or beverage industry.

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

4. Computer skills including MS office – Statistical software experience desired.

5. Experience with automated packaging equipment, packaging materials and components, performance evaluations, conducting distribution challenge testing, design control, and relevant 2D/3D CAD programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certified Packaging Engineer with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

2. Experience with molded plastic containers and closure systems.

3. Experience with automated packaging equipment.

4. Experience in an ISO 9000, FDA cGMP, or USDA regulated environment.

5. Experience managing technical (equipment and/or facilities) projects to successful completion.

6. Six Sigma methods and tools as needed.

7. Cross-functional team experience, including technical and non-technical work.

8. Ability to organize and present technical and project management overviews.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to observe and inspect equipment and operations for proper operation and compliance to safety and housekeeping standards.

2. Ability to work in a production environment around automated equipment.

3. Ability to work in an office environment utilizing a computer workstation.

4. Ability to work in a lab environment with chemical, biological and packaging materials.

5. Ability to travel by car or airplane, for one or several days, to suppliers, equipment vendors, trade shows, etc.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.