Packaging Development Engineer

Katalyst CRO; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO in Philadelphia is seeking a Packaging Development Engineer to design, develop, validate, and optimize packaging systems for new and existing products. The role involves collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure effective packaging solutions.

The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging design, testing, and validation within a regulated environment. Responsibilities include leading projects, evaluating materials, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging development and engineering.
• Familiarity with packaging materials such as plastics, paperboard, and foams.
• Knowledge of packaging validation and performance testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging solutions for products.
• Lead packaging development projects from concept to commercialization.
• Evaluate materials for cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Plan and execute validation activities for packaging.

Skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Packaging Development Engineer to design, develop, validate, and optimize packaging systems for new and existing products. This role collaborates closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to ensure packaging solutions meet performance, regulatory, cost, and sustainability requirements. The ideal candidate has experience in package design, testing, validation, and commercialization within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Lead packaging development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Evaluate packaging materials and components for functionality, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop packaging specifications, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Plan and execute package validation activities, including transit, distribution, and shelf-life testing.
• Collaborate with suppliers to qualify new packaging materials and resolve technical issues.
• Support manufacturing line trials, packaging equipment validation, and process improvements.
• Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for packaging-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, ISO, ASTM, ISTA, and other applicable standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Procurement.
• Support cost reduction, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain Design History Files (DHF), change controls, risk assessments, and technical reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• 25 years of experience in packaging development, package engineering, or product development.
• Experience with packaging materials such as plastics, paperboard, corrugated packaging, labels, films, foams, or glass.
• Knowledge of packaging validation and performance testing.
• Experience working with CAD software for packaging design is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, consumer products, food & beverage, or manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, ISO 11607, FDA, and GMP requirements.
• Experience with packaging line equipment and automation.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Experience with supplier qualification and package commercialization.