Packaging Engineer Lab Leader

Abbott • Libertyville, IL

88d • $97,300 - $194,700

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology. This position works out of our Abbott Park (Lake Bluff), IL location in the Core Diagnostics Division. Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe. The crucial information derived from our tests, instruments and informatics systems are often the first step in patient care decision making for hundreds of health conditions from heart attacks to blood disorders to infectious diseases and cancers. As the Packaging Engineer Lab Leader, you will be responsible for leading the packaging engineering lab that is responsible for qualifying medical device packaging. The position oversees daily lab operations, including test scheduling, equipment maintenance, inventory control, and compliance with Standard Test Procedures (STPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDP). The leader manages multiple direct reports, providing technical and team leadership for packaging lab technicians, collaborating lab resources to support cross-functional teams in new product development, on-market improvements, and distribution packaging qualifications. Performs hands-on testing as needed, maintains accurate records, and reports lab performance metrics. Drives continuous improvement and ensure alignment with quality and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or closely related field with 6 years of progressive responsible experience
• Strong understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials and their qualification for healthcare products
• Experience in packaging, R&D, or operations within the medical device or regulated industry
• Skilled in managing lab workflows, equipment, inventory, and testing schedules
• Proven ability to independently lead lab projects, manage budgets, and allocate resources effectively
• Familiar with FDA, DOT, IATA, ASTM, ISTA, GMP, and GDP standards
• Experience with 1D/2D barcodes and labeling
• Experienced in developing Standard Test Procedures/OPs and serving as SME during audits
• Capable of mentoring lab staff and working cross-functionally with engineering, QA, and manufacturing teams
• Drives continuous improvement and evaluates new technologies and eco-friendly packaging solutions
• Good knowledge of ISO, ASTM, ISTA standards
• Good understanding of statistics including DoE, sample size calculations, statistical process controls
• Knowledge of lean six sigma methodologies
• Experience with Artios CAD

Nice To Haves

• Dangerous Goods Certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Design new or update existing secondary and or tertiary packaging for diagnostic products
• Schedule and track packaging tests to ensure timely execution and on-time release of test reports to meet project timelines
• Ensure test data is accurate, results are reliable, and all activities comply with established procedures and protocols
• Oversee equipment calibration and qualification activities to ensure accurate and reliable testing performance
• Maintain lab equipment and facilities in functional and clean condition, ensuring compliance with Abbott quality policies and procedures
• Responsible for characterization, verification and validation activities for packaging design and labeling, including IQ, OQ, PQ, and the dangerous goods certification program
• Lead a team of packaging technicians including setting goals, providing annual reviews, and develop technical and soft skills for team members
• Develop, monitor, and report on lab performance metrics, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive operational improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Engineers, QA, Planning, and Manufacturing—to resolve packaging issues and support business-critical initiatives
• Provide packaging technical support and expert services to various manufacturing sites and divisions
• Lead risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to ensure packaging integrity, regulatory compliance, and business continuity
• Generate cost savings ideas, complete proof of concept development efforts, and deliver cost savings annually
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) during internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and compliance through robust documentation and procedural adherence
• Improve sustainability for on-market packaging products
• Drive capital planning and investment strategies for lab infrastructure, including equipment upgrades and technology adoption to enhance testing capabilities

Benefits

• Free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year
• Excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program
• FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees