Packaging Engineer 3

Promega Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Promega Corporation is seeking a Packaging Engineer in Madison, WI to lead the design, protection, and delivery of products from development through production transfer. You will own packaging specifications, run distribution tests, and work with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to deliver innovative solutions.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, supplier audits, and applying continuous improvement to packaging systems while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability.

Qualifications

• BS in Packaging Engineering required.
• 4–8 years of packaging experience in a manufacturing setting (biotech/pharma/OTC/food/beverage).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with automated packaging equipment and testing.
• Proficiency with MS Office, SolidWorks, CAD; statistical software desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects end-to-end, from concept to validation.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to design new solutions.
• Develop and own material specifications and testing plans.
• Drive continuous improvement, root cause analyses, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Interact with vendors and cross-functional teams, presenting project status to leadership.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Packaging design

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in Packaging Engineering

Tools

MS Office

SolidWorks

CAD

Job description

OUR TEAM:

At Promega, our Packaging Engineering team sits at the intersection of science and craftsmanship where your work directly enables life science discoveries to reach labs around the world. We're a collaborative group embedded within a larger organization that spans R&D, manufacturing, quality, and global logistics, which means you'll never be working in a silo. We collaborate on new product launches, ensure our material specs accurately describe our needs, and hold ourselves to a high bar on both technical rigor and cross-functional partnership. Curiosity and a genuine respect for each other's expertise aren't just values, they shape how we actually work day-to-day.

YOUR ROLE:

As a Packaging Engineer, you'll be a technical authority on how our products are designed, protected, and delivered, from primary packaging like plastic bottles and laminate films to the corrugated and insulated systems that get products safely across the globe. You'll lead new product packaging projects end-to-end: partnering with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to design new solutions; developing and owning material specifications; running ISTA/ASTM distribution challenge tests; and traveling to vendor sites to audit production firsthand. Beyond new development, you'll apply continuous improvement thinking to existing packaging systems by digging into root cause analysis, conducting process capability studies, and identifying cost reduction opportunities that have real business impact. If you're the kind of engineer who's equally comfortable in a lab, on a manufacturing floor, and presenting project status to leadership, this role was built for you.

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Lead and innovate in the development, design, and project management of advanced packaging solutions for new and existing products. Drive initiatives for cost reduction, sustainability, and efficiency improvements in packaging. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align packaging strategies with business goals and regulatory compliance.

CORE DUTIES:

• Packaging Design: Highly skilled with strong expertise in developing complex packaging designs integrating the latest technologies and materials. Guide junior engineers and work closely with R&D, marketing, and external vendors to create innovative packaging solutions.
• Project Leadership: Lead multiple packaging projects from conception to completion. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members. Works Cross-functionally to complete projects.
• Quality and Compliance: Ensure all packaging meets stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. Lead efforts in troubleshooting and resolving packaging-related issues.
• Sustainability and Cost Management: Champion sustainable packaging initiatives and identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance.
• Technology and Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in packaging engineering. Implement new technologies and processes to improve packaging performance and efficiency.
• Strong analytical skills which are used to independently address complex problems.
• Contribute to Engineering Standards development and review.
• Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
• Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
• Understands and complies with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in Packaging Engineering.
• 4 to 8 years of packaging experience in a manufacturing environment in the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, or beverage industry.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship and communication skills.
• Computer skills including MS office, SolidWorks, CAD – Statistical software experience desired.
• Experience with automated packaging equipment, packaging materials and components, performance evaluations, conducting distribution challenge testing and design control.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Packaging Engineer with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.
• Experience with molded plastic containers and closure systems.
• Experience with automated packaging equipment.
• Experience in an ISO 9000, FDA cGMP, or USDA regulated environment.
• Experience managing technical (equipment and/or facilities) projects to successful completion.
• Six Sigma methods and tools as needed.
• Cross-functional team experience, including technical and non-technical work.
• Ability to organize and present technical and project management overviews to non-technical audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in various environments including labs, manufacturing facilities, and office settings.
• Occasional travel to vendors, trade shows, and other company sites.
• Ability to use a computer/Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to adapt to changing project needs and work environments, including rearranging physical setup.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in a manufacturing environment, including safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.