Packaging Engineer (R&D)

Description Overview

The Packaging Engineer role is a mid-level position within Perrigo’s Packaging Innovation Centre of Excellence (COE). This position is responsible for the development, improvement, and implementation of packaging solutions that deliver value, performance, and sustainability. Operating with a level of technical autonomy, the Packaging Engineer leads packaging development initiatives ensuring that Design-to-Value (DtV), recyclability, and sustainability are central to every solution.

Reports To: Packaging Innovations Manager

Scope of the Role

Project & Technical Leadership

• Serve as the packaging development lead on one or more medium-to-large projects, providing end-to-end technical leadership from concept design through validation and launch.
• Translate business objectives and consumer insights into innovative, compliant, and cost-effective packaging concepts.
• Lead manufacturing troubleshooting and provide on-site support for line trials, validations, and root cause investigations.
• Manage packaging documentation, specifications, and qualification reports in accordance with regulatory and quality system requirements.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, R&D, Operations, Quality, and Procurement to deliver consumer-preferred, cost-effective, and scalable packaging solutions.
• Build and maintain strong external partnerships with suppliers, CMOs, and technical experts to advance packaging innovation and resolve technical challenges.
• Communicate project risks, progress, and recommendations effectively to internal stakeholders.

Innovation, Sustainability & Design-to-Value

• Embed Design-to-Value (DtV) methodologies into packaging development to balance cost, quality, and consumer experience.
• Evaluate and improve packaging recyclability in alignment with EU PPWR and EPR requirements.
• Drive material and process optimization to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Support Perrigo’s Open Innovation and Sustainability strategies, introducing recyclable, mono-material, and low-carbon packaging solutions.

Supervision & Mentoring

• Provide day-to-day technical support to ensure project quality, consistency, and compliance across active packaging programs.
• Contribute to the creation of best-practice documentation, technical specification standards, and continuous improvement initiatives within the COE.

Experience Required

• Degree level qualification in Packaging, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Typically the experience required for this role would come from 2+ years of relevant experience in a packaging development or FMCG environment, with exposure to a broad range of components (e.g., blisters, bottles, spray pumps, folding cartons, etc.)
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, processes, and tooling, including thermoforming, sealing, labeling, and filling.
• Skilled in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, TOPS, or equivalent CAD software.
• Demonstrated ability to create and manage packaging specifications, 3D mock-ups, and pallet configurations.
• Experienced in distribution testing (ASTM/ISTA), IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with ISO, FMEA and DOE.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred) and project management software desirable.