Principal Packaging Engineer (Sterile Barrier Systems)
馃搷 Grand Rapids, MI (Travel Required | Up to ~50% at Peak Times) 鉁堬笍
At Oliver Healthcare Packaging, we鈥檙e not just designing packaging鈥攚e鈥檙e protecting the integrity of life-saving medical devices around the world 馃實
We鈥檙e looking for a Principal Packaging Engineer to serve as a recognized technical authority in sterile barrier systems and flexible packaging. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role where your expertise will directly influence product innovation, regulatory strategy, and customer success.
If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges 馃З, influencing across organizations, and shaping the future of healthcare packaging鈥攖his is your opportunity.
What You鈥檒l Do
Lead at the Highest Technical Level 馃殌
- Act as a subject matter expert in sterile barrier systems, flexible packaging, and performance testing
- Lead complex, high-impact projects across material selection, packaging design, and validation strategy
- Provide technical mentorship to engineers and lab teams 馃
- Influence product platforms, supplier strategy, and emerging technologies
Be the Face of Engineering to Customers 馃
- Partner directly with customers through consultations, site visits, trials, and troubleshooting
- Support commercial teams with technical insights, data storytelling, and solution positioning
- Lead customer training sessions, workshops, and line trials 馃帳
- Represent Oliver at industry forums and technical discussions
Drive Innovation & Product Strategy 馃挕
- Collaborate with R&D and Product Management to assess and advance new product concepts
- Shape portfolio decisions through deep technical insight and application knowledge
- Support product lifecycle activities including optimization, change management, and documentation
Solve Complex Problems Across the Business 馃攳
- Lead technical investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Partner with Operations and Engineering on process validation and scale-up 鈿欙笍
- Support supplier qualification and performance improvement initiatives
Elevate Testing & Data Utilization 馃搳
- Provide expert interpretation of test methods, standards, and complex datasets
- Contribute to the evolution of lab systems, tools, and data accessibility
- Perform advanced testing and analysis as needed
What You Bring
- 10+ years of experience in packaging engineering (medical device strongly preferred)
- Deep expertise in sterile and flexible packaging design and performance
- Strong knowledge of ISO 11607, ISO 13485, and medical device packaging requirements
- Experience with Thermoform-Fill-Seal and Tray/Lid sealing technologies
- Proficiency in DFMEA, DOE, SPC, Gauge R&R, and statistical analysis tools (Minitab, Excel) 馃搱
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence and translate complex technical concepts
- Experience with CAD (2D/3D) is a plus
Why This Role Matters 馃専
This isn鈥檛 a back-room engineering role. You鈥檒l be:
- A trusted advisor to customers
- A technical voice shaping product and industry direction
- A key contributor to Oliver鈥檚 reputation as a leader in healthcare packaging
Work Environment & Travel
- Mix of lab, manufacturing, and office environments 馃彮
- Travel up to ~50% (customer sites, manufacturing locations, industry events 鉁堬笍)
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you鈥檙e ready to operate at a principal level鈥攚here your expertise drives real-world outcomes in healthcare鈥攚e鈥檇 love to connect.