Senior Packaging Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development

Elanco in; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multiple relocation packages

Annual bonus offering

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to drive development and implementation of packaging solutions for its global product pipeline across pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine portfolios.

You will own packaging development activities, collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams, and serve as the packaging SME on cross-functional projects from development through registration and commercialization.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Packaging Technology or a related discipline, or a bachelor's with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical product development.
• Experience with packaging in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, packaging development activities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with GMP principles and regulated development environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional and global teams.

Responsibilities

• Own packaging development activities for assigned projects, defining and implementing appropriate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions from early development through commercialization.
• Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert on cross-functional project teams, with exposure to sterile and non-sterile packaging systems.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate technical feasibility, processability, and transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.
• Plan, execute, and interpret packaging tests and machine trials, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and support documentation and registration activities.
• Author packaging registration documents and interact with the registration team as appropriate.
• Evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers to support compliant and efficient development solutions.
• Ensure packaging activities align with internal standards, external guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with global teams and external partners to support development timelines.

Skills

Packaging development

Regulatory environment experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

Master's degree in Packaging Technology or related discipline

Bachelor's degree + 5+ years relevant experience

Job description

Senior Packaging Engineer, Pharmaceutical Development (Project Management)

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Job Description

About the Role

As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will support the development and implementation of packaging solutions for Elanco's global product development pipeline. This role is focused on development-stage products across pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine portfolios, with regular collaboration across global teams in the U.S. and Europe.

You will own packaging development activities for assigned projects, working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory partners to define, evaluate, and implement appropriate packaging solutions from early development through registration and commercial readiness. This role is well suited for a packaging engineer who enjoys hands-on project ownership, technical problem solving, and working in a regulated development environment.

Your Responsibilities

Own packaging development activities for assigned projects, defining and implementing appropriate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions from early development through commercialization.

Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert on cross-functional project teams, with exposure to sterile and non-sterile packaging systems.

Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate technical feasibility, processability, and transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.

Plan, execute, and interpret packaging tests and machine trials, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and support documentation and registration activities.

Author packaging registration documents and interact with the registration team as appropriate.

Evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers to support compliant and efficient development solutions.

Ensure packaging activities align with internal standards, external guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate effectively with global teams and external partners to support development timelines.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

Master's degree in Packaging Technology or a related discipline, or a bachelor's with 5 plus years of relevant/equivalent experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical drug product development.

Experience with packaging in a regulated environment.

Strong knowledge of packaging materials, packaging development activities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Familiarity with GMP principles and regulated development environments.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional and global teams.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Experience working with sterile manufacturing environments and container closure integrity (CCI) concepts.

Prior experience authoring or supporting regulatory submissions related to packaging.

Ability to manage multiple development projects in a global, cross-functional environment.

Demonstrated adaptability and ability to learn in a dynamic development setting.

Additional Information

• Travel: 10–20% annually Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement?Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status