Packaging Engineer - Columbus, OH

Abbott Laboratories • Columbus, OH

1d • $61,300 - $122,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer works in Abbott Nutrition’s Global Packaging Operations group and is responsible for implementing and supporting test method validation and instrument qualification programs that meet quality and regulatory requirements. The role requires in-depth knowledge of validation activities in a laboratory setting and supports validation administration, development of a Validation Master Plan, and execution of validation projects. The engineer manages the progress of validation activities among the group and cross-functional partners.

The position performs primary and secondary packaging tests in daily operations and provides technical knowledge and leadership to identify and implement packaging programs for materials and formats such as bottles, closures, adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, corrugated shippers, paper cartons, and printing technologies. The engineer applies advanced methods and techniques to design and execute new packaging materials and structures, from concept through commercialization, and supports optimization of existing packaging for nutritional products.

The role collaborates across divisional and regional boundaries and with Packaging Operations, Labeling, Procurement, and Quality Assurance. It reports directly to the Packaging Technical Services Manager and requires domestic and international travel, sometimes at short notice and for extended durations. The posting specifies ten percent travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 1 year of packaging technical experience.
• Experience with validation activities such as Test Method Validation and Equipment/Instrument Qualification.
• Ability to understand and follow internal and external validation requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow industry-standard guidelines and test methods, including ISO, ASTM, and ISTA.
• Experience with packaging test equipment and packaging software programs such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Cape Pack.
• Thorough technical knowledge of a wide range of packaging materials, structures, and printed-material manufacturing processes.
• Experience resolving supply chain challenges.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interface with broad global cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently.
• Effective critical-thinking skills.
• Willingness to travel ten percent, including domestic and international travel; travel may be at short notice and for extended durations.

Nice To Haves

• ISTA certification.

Responsibilities

• Implement and support test method validation and instrument qualification programs that meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support instrument qualification, test method development, and test method validation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for test method validation and instrument qualification.
• Perform validation administration, including planning, project management, and reporting.
• Execute primary and secondary package testing to support R&D and Operations.
• Identify and develop new packaging structures from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and produce packaging mock-up samples for design review.
• Support and lead package function and distribution testing in the Packaging Lab.
• Implement project work for Abbott sites and third-party co-packaging manufacturers.
• Identify and implement cost-optimized opportunities with existing packaging.
• Provide technical expertise on packaging issues.
• Provide detailed validation and technical input to organizations employed on major capital projects.
• Provide technical input to manufacturing sites on instrument qualification and test method transfer.
• Manage the progress of validation activities among the group and cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities with an international company.
• Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• Retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit, an affordable and convenient path to earning a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level