Associate Principal Packaging Engineer

Durham, NC (Hybrid) | Permanent | Full-time

A global pharmaceutical organization is looking to hire an Associate Principal Packaging Engineer to take a leading role in the development and commercialization of combination product packaging. Sitting within the Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) group, this role is key to advancing packaging strategies that support new drug products from early clinical phases through to market readiness.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of science, engineering, and manufacturing-delivering packaging solutions that meet regulatory standards, sustainability goals, and patient needs. Based in Durham, NC, the role follows a hybrid work model, with in-office collaboration expected three days per week.

Your role as Associate Principal Packaging Engineer

• Take the lead on end-to-end design, development, and validation of packaging for combination products and medical devices
• Guide packaging activities across multiple drug development projects, from early clinical stages through to manufacturing scale-up
• Serve as the technical packaging SME on cross-functional teams, contributing to project planning, resource forecasting, and regulatory submissions
• Prepare and review technical documentation for regulatory filings, including protocols, test reports, and design history file materials
• Support the successful transition of packaging designs into manufacturing, both in-house and with external partners
• Ensure adherence to internal safety, quality, and compliance standards in all packaging work
• Stay informed on evolving packaging regulations and act as an internal advisor on regulatory expectations
• Play a role in developing packaging capability across the department by mentoring less experienced engineers
• Partner with development and operations teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and patient-centric packaging solutions

Experience and qualifications for the Associate Principal Packaging Engineer role

• Bachelor's or PhD in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field
• At least 7 years of hands-on experience in packaging development within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device sectors
• Strong working knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements for combination products in major global markets
• Demonstrated experience supporting commercialization of medical device packaging, especially for injectable or inhalation products
• In-depth understanding of packaging materials, component selection, and testing protocols
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple development streams and influence cross-functional project outcomes
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working across departments and external partners

Perks and benefits

• Hybrid work model with flexibility and collaboration built-in
• Be part of an organization delivering advanced therapies to patients worldwide
• Competitive compensation and full benefits package
• A culture that values innovation, quality, and continuous improvement
• Career development support and exposure to cross-functional global teams

Interested?
Apply now to be considered for this opportunity-or reach out to discuss similar roles in packaging engineering, combination products, or pharma product development.