Packaging Design Engineer Sr.

Job Title: Packaging Engineer Sr.

Location: 4545 Towne Centre Court, San Diego, CA 92121

Duration: 12 Months

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Position Overview

The Senior Packaging Engineer will lead the end-to-end design, standardization, and continuous optimization of inbound and internal logistics packaging solutions. This role ensures automation readiness, transportation and warehousing efficiency, regulatory compliance, and robust packaging performance.

The ideal candidate will possess strong structural and material design expertise, proficiency in 2D/3D CAD and pallet optimization tools, hands-on validation experience, and strong data/documentation management skills. This role also provides project and administrative support to the direct manager.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Development

• Lead full lifecycle packaging solution design, including concept development, material selection, 2D/3D modeling, prototyping, validation testing, manufacturability assessment, cost optimization, and mass production readiness.
• Conduct packaging distribution studies across multiple transportation modes.
• Adapt packaging dimensions, materials, labeling, and configurations for automated and semi-automated systems, ensuring “right-first-time” through DFx reviews.
• Perform critical raw material packaging risk assessments and implement damage reduction strategies.
• Define packaging requirements, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria within supplier Quality Agreements.
• Establish and maintain packaging drawings, specifications, and category databases.

Validation, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Own the Validation Master Plan, including protocol development, test execution, reporting, and deviation management.
• Maintain ISTA/ASTM standards library and develop internal testing methodologies aligned with defect trends.
• Lead investigations using root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory and packaging process requirements.
• Drive operational excellence (OPEX) initiatives through metrics review, troubleshooting, and process improvements.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Evaluate vendor capabilities for packaging manufacturing and develop strategies to ensure supply continuity and performance.
• Provide operational support to plant teams, third-party manufacturers, and vendors.
• Partner with Procurement, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehousing, IT, and external suppliers to meet project milestones.
• Support vendor performance improvement initiatives.

Tools & Software Proficiency

• 2D/3D CAD: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent
• Structural & Die-line Design: ArtiosCAD/Esko or equivalent
• Pallet Optimization: TOPS Pro, Cape Pack, or equivalent
• Labeling & Barcoding (Preferred): BarTender, NiceLabel
• Data & Documentation Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Power BI, Microsoft Project

Project Management & Administrative Support

• Provide project management support to the manager.
• Develop and monitor project plans to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
• Drive cross-functional and cross-site communication to ensure timely execution of deliverables.
• Facilitate routine meetings, manage documentation, and distribute meeting minutes.
• Support project calendar management, status reporting, procurement tracking, and stakeholder coordination.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in a technical role within product manufacturing or packaging environments.
• Subject matter expertise in packaging processes.
• Strong experience in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Demonstrated success in technical leadership and project management.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills across organizational levels.
• In-depth knowledge of ISTA/ASTM testing standards and validation processes.
• Strong DFx mindset with structural design expertise across the concept-to-production lifecycle.
• Proficient in written and verbal English.
• Chinese language proficiency is a plus.
• Detail-oriented and data-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

Additional Information

• Travel may be required for supplier visits and test labs.
• Must adhere to company EHS and information security policies.
• Job responsibilities may be adjusted based on evolving business needs.

Consultants Eligible Benefits Upon Waiting Period:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account (for High Deductible Health Plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, Commuter Parking and Commuter Transit)
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability (coverage varies by state)
• Long Term Disability
• Critical Illness, Hospital coverage, Accident Insurance
• MetLife Legal, MetLife ID Fraud, and MetLife Pet Insurance
• 401(k)

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines.

Working together, Abbott and Talent Solutions partner to deliver top talent for contingent roles at Abbott, building better and healthier lives. Abbott believes all employees are essential to creating life-changing breakthroughs, performing key duties to create life-changing breakthroughs.