Senior Packaging Engineer

MSD Ireland; Ballyogan; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Ireland is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to oversee product and technology transfers to CMOs and collaborate with external packaging partners on packaging operations and process improvements.

The role requires extensive experience in medical devices or combination products, packaging design control, and knowledge of regulatory expectations across US FDA, EMA, and GMP contexts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in medical device or combination product engineering and pharmaceutical field with knowledge of packaging operations, materials and processes.
• Experience with capital packaging equipment projects including technology transfers and equipment installation/validation.
• Experience with devices and combination products covering design control to product/technology transfer.
• Strong GMP and quality systems expertise and project management from conception to closeout.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards such as USFDA, cGMPs and EMA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support technology transfers, qualifications, validations, process enhancements and change controls for various projects.
• Ensure compliant packaging and transfer of packaging processes and drive site readiness and execution excellence.
• Coordinate and oversee technical matters with external packaging partners.
• Provide technical support for quality and supply investigations and drive CAPA discussions.
• Lead evaluations and assessments of external packaging partners for selection.
• Participate in periodic business reviews with external packaging partners.
• Lead or support changes to packaging images and materials/components.
• Assist qualification of modifications to distribution and thermal transport/storage methods.

Skills

Change Control

Packaging Engineering

Packaging Operations

Packaging Equipment

Continuous Improvement

Engineering Standards

Project Management

Veeva / Quality Systems

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science/Engineering or related

Tools

Capital packaging equipment

Designing packaging lines

Validation testing

Job description

Job Summary

Senior Packaging Engineer—an essential role on the External Manufacturing & Network Equipment team, responsible for overseeing product and technology transfers to Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and collaborating with external packaging partners.

Responsibilities

• Support technology transfers, qualifications, validations, process enhancements, and change controls for small and large molecule projects, medical devices, and combination products.
• Ensure compliant packaging and assembly process transfer, project management, site readiness, and execution excellence.
• Coordinate, communicate, and oversee technical matters with external packaging partners autonomously.
• Provide technical support for quality and supply investigations, and co‑lead discussions on packaging processes, equipment, and components to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventative actions.
• Support technical evaluations of external packaging partners and create thorough assessments for partner selection.
• Participate in periodic business review meetings with external packaging partners.
• Lead or support complex changes of packaging images and materials/components.
• Support the qualification of modifications to distribution and thermal transport/storage methods for finished packaging configurations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in medical device or combination product engineering and pharmaceutical field, with practical knowledge in packaging operations, materials, and processes.
• Experience in capital packaging equipment projects, including technology transfers, designing packaging lines, equipment installation and validation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with devices and combination products, covering design control to product and technology transfer for both new and existing packaging facilities.
• Proficiency in project management from conception to closeout, with strong GMP and quality systems expertise.
• Solid understanding of scientific or technical concepts for routine and complex tasks, with advanced practical knowledge of applicable techniques.
• Experience with manufacturing change control compliance systems like Veeva and quantitative decision tools for risk management.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, inclusive practices, and ability to work in a diverse, cross‑functional team.
• Familiarity with the regulatory standards of key pharmaceutical markets, such as USFDA, cGMPs and EMA guidelines.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement by proactively adopting new strategies, drawing insights from experiences, and making informed decisions regarding risk‑taking.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities, combined with outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Required Skills

• Change Control Processes
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Engineering Standards
• Packaging Engineering
• Packaging Equipment
• Packaging Innovation
• Packaging Management
• Packaging Operations
• Packaging Optimization
• Pharmaceutical Packaging
• Sealing Machines

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing inclusive, talented, and committed people together.