Packaging Engineer - Columbus, OH

Abbott • Columbus, OH

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Abbott’s Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages. The Packaging Engineer works in the Global Packaging Operations group and supports Abbott Nutrition packaging programs, validation activities, and daily packaging testing. The role implements and supports test method validation and instrument qualification programs that meet quality and regulatory requirements, requiring in-depth knowledge of validation in a laboratory setting, including expectations and success criteria. The position supports validation administration, development of a Validation Master Plan, execution of validation projects, and tracking progress among the group and cross-functional partners.

The engineer performs primary and secondary packaging testing and provides technical knowledge and leadership for packaging programs involving bottles, closures, adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, corrugated shippers, paper cartons, and printing technologies. The role applies advanced methods to design and execute packaging materials and structures, from development and validation of test methods and packaging concepts through optimization of existing packaging for nutritional products. Success requires collaboration across divisions, regions, and functions, including Packaging Operations, Labeling, Procurement, and Quality Assurance. The position reports directly to the Packaging Technical Services Manager and requires domestic and international travel, sometimes at short notice and for extended durations.

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, such as 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 and ability to interface effectively with broad global cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently.
• Effective critical-thinking skills.

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 in these areas.
• Plan, manage, and report validation administration activities.
• Execute primary and secondary package testing in support of R&D and Operations.
• Identify and develop 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 and technical input to organizations working 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.
• Collaborate with Packaging Operations, Labeling, Procurement, Quality Assurance, and other cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities with an international company.
• Employees can 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.
• Health and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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