Packaging Engineer

W2 only, no C2C, must be authorized to work in the US (both now and in the future).

Packaging Engineer (Direct Hire) - in Madison, Wisconsin. Apply now for this opportunity at Carex!

Carex is partnering with a Biotechnology industry partner to hire a Packaging Engineer who will lead the development, design, and implementation of packaging solutions for new and existing products. This role serves as a technical resource across packaging design, materials, testing, quality, and manufacturing while managing projects from concept through implementation. The Packaging Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally to improve packaging performance, support regulatory compliance, advance sustainability initiatives, and identify opportunities for cost and process improvements.

Must be onsite in the Madison, WI area. What You'll Do

• Lead packaging design and development projects from concept through implementation, incorporating appropriate technologies, materials, and manufacturing considerations.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and other cross-functional stakeholders to develop effective packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Develop, maintain, and improve packaging material and component specifications.
• Evaluate packaging materials and systems, including molded plastic containers, closure systems, laminate films, corrugated packaging, and insulated shipping solutions.
• Plan and execute packaging performance evaluations and distribution challenge testing using applicable ISTA and ASTM standards.
• Support packaging design control activities and ensure solutions meet applicable quality, regulatory, and business requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex packaging and manufacturing issues using root cause analysis, process capability studies, statistical methods, and other engineering tools.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that enhance packaging performance, efficiency, quality, and manufacturability.
• Champion sustainable packaging initiatives and identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising product quality or performance.
• Support automated packaging equipment and processes, including evaluation and implementation of improvements.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers and vendors, monitor supplier performance, and participate in vendor audits and technical evaluations.
• Stay current on emerging packaging technologies, materials, processes, and industry trends and evaluate opportunities for implementation.
• Contribute to the development and review of engineering standards and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Organize and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Travel occasionally to vendor locations, trade shows, and other sites as needed.
• Work safely across laboratory, manufacturing, and office environments while following applicable ethical, legal, quality, and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering.
• 4–8 years of packaging engineering experience within a manufacturing environment, ideally supporting biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, OTC, food, beverage, or another regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, components, design principles, manufacturing processes, and performance evaluation methods.
• Experience conducting distribution challenge testing and supporting packaging design control activities.
• Experience working with automated packaging equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently address complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and collaborating effectively across technical and non-technical functions.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with SolidWorks and/or CAD tools; statistical software experience is beneficial.
• Ability to organize and present technical and project information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with molded plastic containers and closure systems is preferred.
• Experience working within ISO 9000, FDA cGMP, USDA, or comparable regulated environments is preferred.
• Six Sigma knowledge and experience applying continuous improvement methods and tools is preferred.
• Certified Packaging Professional or comparable packaging certification is preferred.
• Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and office environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Ability to travel occasionally as business needs require.

Carex Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.