Senior Packaging Engineer

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; United States; Remote; USD 96,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Paid leave programs

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

Job summary

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in the United States seeks a Senior Packaging Engineer to help ensure timely packaging of products, lead packaging and device development, and prepare specifications and graphics for the portfolio.

The role is an individual contributor under general supervision, requiring experience managing multiple projects with internal and external teams, interfacing with OPCJ, OPDC, and OCPI, and supporting qualification and cost‑saving initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering (or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 2–5 years of package development/engineering experience in regulated environment.
• Experience with CMOs and packaging graphics/software tools is a plus.
• Strong planning, multi-tasking, and project management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist/lead in packaging development, designs, prototypes, and testing.
• Generate specifications and BOMs with CMOs; manage packaging documentation.
• Support testing protocols for packaging, shipping, temperature control, and trials.
• Collaborate across functions: quality, supply chain, marketing, and sourcing.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize manufacturability of packaging.

Skills

Packaging development

CMO experience

Adobe Creative Cloud

Global Vision

MS Project

MS Office

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Global Vision

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

The SR, Packaging Engineer position typically reports to a senior leader in the Packaging and Device Technology department. The Senior Packaging Engineer is a technical resource responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations ensuring the timely packaging of OAPI’s products. The position’s key responsibilities include the package and device development, component specifications and graphic arts related activities utilized in OAPI’s product portfolio.

This position is as an individual contributor role under general direction from his/her supervisor. The individual must have experience in managing complex multiple projects simultaneously involving both internal and external team members.

The position requires interfacing with various company entities including but not limited OPCJ, OPDC, and OCPI teams to provide support for packaging processes for new and life cycle products and devices. The position requires an individual who has sufficient knowledge and experience with packaging and device development as well as support systems.

This individual also supports packaging innovation and development projects within P&DT department. The individual may also work on department initiatives that may include but not limited to cost savings, line extensions, packaging transfers, line trials and packaging specification management. They work with internal resources and packaging suppliers to achieve functional packaging goals.

The position may involve travel up to 10 - 25% mainly to US CMO’s and Testing Lab facilities in the tri-state area but may include trips to Maryland or other US states.

• Ability to work with minimal manager oversight on daily work and new assignments.
• Assist and or lead in the packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing.
• Troubleshoot packaging concerns involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective recommendations or solutions.
• Generate component specifications and Bill-of-Materials (BOM) in coordination with CMOs.
• Generate protocols and reports in support of package testing including shipping and distribution, temperature controlled/refrigerated distribution, as well as engineering trials at CMOs.
• Work with various document management systems to generate and approve packaging documentation.
• Analyze product and/or device attributes and specifications to determine physical characteristics of item, special handling, environmental and safety requirements, and types of materials required for Quality and Safety of product packaging.
• Evaluate and recommend packaging suppliers/vendors; periodically assist in conducting vendor reviews. Have an understanding of packaging graphics development with an understanding of printing methods, color spaces, design capabilities.
• Work with commercial operations (package engineering, technical services, supply chain and distribution), quality management, marketing, finance and sourcing, as well as with packaging suppliers and CMOs.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage.
• Work with CMOs to ensure that the packaging designs are optimized for manufacturability, to provide support to P&DT during new product-packaging qualifications and start-ups, oversee packaging activities and help support troubleshooting activities.

Qualifications/ Required

Knowledge/ Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of related package development and engineering experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, or related field or other FDA regulated product environment.
• Demonstrated effective technical and leadership skills with track record of completing projects on time and accomplishing goals.
• Good planning, multi-tasking, and project management skills.
• Ability to function under direction of a manager as well as part of a team.
• Experienced in managing multiple priorities/projects simultaneously in fast-paced environment.
• Fundamental technical knowledge of packaging materials.
• Experienced in working with CMOs.
• Basic knowledge of pharmaceutical product dosage forms including tablets and parenterals, as well as devices.
• Basic understanding of the supply chain and distribution process.
• Sound understanding of qualification (IOQ), validation, stability testing, process validation/verification, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements as they pertain to packaging and devices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communications internally and with external manufacturing partners.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud design software is a plus
• Experience with Global Vision proofreading software a plus
• Competency in use of business and project management computer software (such as MS Project and MS Office).
• Capable of transporting self to various work locations. If using own motor vehicle, must have current, valid US driver’s license and proof of insurance coverage that at least meets current minimum requirements of the licensing state.
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, management, and coworkers is crucial. Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.
• Good reasoning ability is required to solve a wide range of business problems.

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Package Engineering (or equivalent) is preferred.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $96,112.00 - Maximum $143,750.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline : This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.