Packaging Engineer

The Packaging Engineer leads technical strategy, innovation, and execution for packaging solutions in a highly regulated environment. This role owns the packaging innovation roadmap, drives projects from concept to commercialization, and serves as the subject matter expert for packaging of FDA regulated products. The position combines deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on leadership in research, development, and cross-functional project delivery, with strong opportunities for career growth into leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong ownership and leadership on packaging technical strategies and problem solving while driving projects from concept to commercialization.
• Own the technical roadmap for packaging innovation and ensure alignment with overall business priorities.
• Take responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and impact of technical data used to inform decisions across projects.
• Design and direct meaningful and robust research projects and experiments, both internally and through external collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and foster collaborative research initiatives while mentoring, coaching, and guiding junior packaging engineers.
• Analyze experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions from research and use insights to guide further development and optimization.
• Ensure the appropriate use of robust statistical methods to support experimental design, data analysis, and decision-making.
• Develop innovative packaging solutions to address complex technical challenges in a regulated environment.
• Act as the subject matter expert in packaging for FDA regulated products, including expertise in packaging standards such as CCIT, ISO, USP , USP , and related guidelines.
• Identify, scope, and represent the organization at key conferences, seminars, and other professional events to showcase capabilities and stay connected to industry trends.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, regulatory trends, and scientific advancements in packaging, and keep stakeholders informed of relevant developments.
• Exhibit a proactive mindset in identifying, evaluating, and implementing new opportunities for innovation and improvement in packaging and related processes.
• Think strategically and influence the organization on key packaging and product development initiatives.
• Champion initiatives that deliver quantifiable improvements in product performance, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead cross-functional teams to bring strategic packaging innovations from concept to launch, ensuring clear accountability at each stage.
• Develop and execute innovation strategies aligned with business goals, including new packaging technologies, methods, and intellectual property creation.
• Lead the development of new packaging products, technologies, and methods that deliver measurable impact and enhance organizational success.
• Assess and recommend acquisition or implementation of new in-house technologies to improve packaging capabilities.
• Define, communicate, and align project goals while requesting and coordinating necessary resources for cross-functional execution.
• Hold yourself and cross-functional teams accountable for meeting project milestones, quality standards, and business objectives.
• Ensure thorough post-launch evaluation of packaging initiatives and drive continuous improvement based on performance metrics and feedback.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and influencing skills to drive initiatives forward and overcome project challenges.
• Anticipate project risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of packaging solutions.
• Prepare and present clear, concise progress updates, status reports, and technical findings to senior-level management.
• Act as team lead for the packaging group, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior packaging engineers.

• 8 years of experience in product development and R&D support within packaging development, preferably in a regulated environment.
• Proven experience in packaging engineering with a focus on medical devices or other FDA regulated products.
• Hands-on experience in packaging development for FDA regulated products, including compliance with relevant standards.
• Strong background in new product development and leadership within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in packaging design and development, including conceptualization, testing, and commercialization.
• Subject matter expertise in packaging standards and practices such as CCIT, ISO standards, USP , and USP .
• Strong analytical thinking capabilities and a data-driven mindset for experimental design and interpretation.
• Proficiency in applying robust statistical methods to support experimentation and decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong sense of accountability and commitment to delivering results with excellence and timeliness.
• Ability to set specific goals for self and others and organize and align resources to achieve those goals.
• Demonstrated accountability for project outcomes and ability to drive initiatives to successful completion.
• Proactive leadership style with a track record of taking full ownership of challenges and driving results with urgency and precision.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams from concept through launch in a product development environment.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or guiding junior engineers or technical staff.
• Ability to make sense of, organize, and present complex information in a clear and structured manner.
• Proven ability to evolve, learn, and implement new systems, tools, and programs as business needs change.
• Resourceful approach with the ability to find creative and innovative ways to achieve results.
• Ambitious, driven, and initiative-taking mindset with a strong desire to improve processes and outcomes.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, and integrating new technologies to enhance packaging capabilities.
• Comfort representing the organization at external conferences, seminars, and professional events.
• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape key initiatives.

The Packaging Engineer reports into the packaging leadership function and acts as the packaging team lead and subject matter expert within a small, collaborative group. The team includes three junior packaging engineers, and this role spends significant time coaching, mentoring, and guiding their development. Work involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners in product development, R&D, quality, and regulatory, as well as external stakeholders such as academic institutions and industry partners. The environment emphasizes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, with strong support for professional growth and clear opportunities for career progression into managerial and director-level roles. The role requires regular preparation and presentation of updates and technical findings to senior management and participation in industry events to stay current with emerging technologies and regulatory trends.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Montvale, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $128000.00 - $141000.00/yr.

getting info from client - health - vision - dental

This is a fully onsite position in Montvale,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $128,000 - $141,000