Pharmaceutical Packaging Development Engineer

Smart Media; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Media in Manassas, VA seeks a Packaging Engineer to collaborate with R&D and customers on packaging configurations that balance consumer appeal, sustainability, and cost. You will ensure compliance with labeling, safety, and environmental regulations while coordinating with suppliers for FDA filings and technical data.

You will lead scale-up, exhibit batches, and product launches, improve packaging processes for sustainability, and perform changeovers and troubleshooting on packaging

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of packaging design principles (critical for optimization).
• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging configuration research to optimize shelf performance, consumer convenience, and sustainability.
• Ensure packaging complies with labeling, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Lead scale-up, exhibit batches, and product launches while maintaining product quality and safety.
• Coordinate with suppliers for FDA filings and technical data (DMF, LOAs, COC/COA, test results).
• Oversee equipment modifications/ installations and qualifications; perform changeovers and troubleshooting of packaging machines (mechanical/electrical PLC).
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, SOPs, and complete documentation (logs, batch records).
• Coach operators and supervisors on safe, effective packaging line operation and sanitation.

Skills

Packaging design

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Mechanical/electrical troubleshooting

Flexible/non-routine work

Mechanical aptitude

GMP documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Description

• Work with R&D and customers for their packaging configurations, what motivates consumer choices, and how to optimize designs for effectiveness and sustainability, covering aspects from shelf performance to consumer convenience and environmental impact.
• Ensure that packaging meets all relevant legal requirements, including labeling, safety standards, and environmental regulations.?
• Lead research activities for effective packaging configurations to find cost-effective solutions without compromising product quality or safety.
• Communicate with suppliers of packaging materials to get all necessary information for FDA filings (i.e. DMF letters, LOAs, technical data sheets, COC/COA, test results, etc.).
• Lead experimental, scale-up, exhibit batches & product launch activities with new or existing products.
• Improve inefficient packaging processes to provide sustainable and environmentally compliant packaging solutions.
• Assist on existing and new equipment modifications/ installations and qualifications.?
• Perform moderate to complex adjustments and repairs to packaging and pneumatic equipment.?
• Perform the changeover and set-up of packaging machines as well as troubleshoot mechanical and electrical PLC systems.?
• Ensure full compliance with Company policies, procedures, cGMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOPs always. Ensure documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Guide and coach Packaging Operators/ Supervisors in the safe and effective operation of packaging line machines. This includes training to assist with breakdown and cleaning /sanitization of the machine parts and components.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures and observes the operations to ensure a safe environment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned at the discretion of management.

Areas of Responsibility include but not limited to

• Work with R&D and customers for their packaging configurations, what motivates consumer choices, and how to optimize designs for effectiveness and sustainability, covering aspects from shelf performance to consumer convenience and environmental impact.
• Ensure that packaging meets all relevant legal requirements, including labeling, safety standards, and environmental regulations.?
• Lead research activities for effective packaging configurations to find cost-effective solutions without compromising product quality or safety.
• Communicate with suppliers of packaging materials to get all necessary information for FDA filings (i.e. DMF letters, LOAs, technical data sheets, COC/COA, test results, etc.).
• Lead experimental, scale-up, exhibit batches & product launch activities with new or existing products.
• Improve inefficient packaging processes to provide sustainable and environmentally compliant packaging solutions.
• Assist on existing and new equipment modifications/ installations and qualifications.?
• Perform moderate to complex adjustments and repairs to packaging and pneumatic equipment.?
• Perform the changeover and set-up of packaging machines as well as troubleshoot mechanical and electrical PLC systems.?
• Ensure full compliance with Company policies, procedures, cGMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOPs always. Ensure documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Guide and coach Packaging Operators/ Supervisors in the safe and effective operation of packaging line machines. This includes training to assist with breakdown and cleaning /sanitization of the machine parts and components.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures and observes the operations to ensure a safe environment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned at the discretion of management.

Requirements

Minimum Knowledge/Skills

• Strong understanding of Packaging design principles.
• Experience in Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment with multiple departments.
• Knowledge and experience in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.
• Can accommodate non-routine work schedules, and be able to respond to call-ins.
• Self-motivated and team-oriented with the ability to work with minimal supervision and limited direction.
• Mechanical aptitude, math, and computer skills
• Experience in troubleshooting equipment in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards etc and experience in completing GMP documentation.

Minimum Experience & Education

• At least an Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Engineering or pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent discipline.
• 5+ years in packaging area required including maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Minimum of five (5) year work experience in nutritional’s, supplements, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.