Senior Research & Development Engineer (Pharmaceutical Products)

Winpak is seeking a Senior Research and Development Engineer – Pharmaceutical Products to support their team.

The Senior R&D Engineer will focus on the design, development, and market introduction of innovative flexible packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality, manufacturing, and regulatory teams, to ensure the development of packaging products that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. In this role you will be responsible for understanding market trends, customer needs, and technical challenges to deliver sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of flexible packaging solutions tailored to pharmaceutical applications, ensuring compliance with FDA, GMP, and other regulatory standards.
• Conduct market analysis and competitive research to identify opportunities for new product development and growth in the pharmaceutical packaging sector.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams (R&D, sales, and marketing) to gather product requirements, define specifications, and develop project plans.
• Serve as a technical expert in the selection of materials, barrier properties, and manufacturing processes suitable for pharmaceutical packaging applications.
• Work closely with production, R&D and quality teams to develop packaging prototypes, run trials, and ensure packaging performance meets client expectations and regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure that all developed products align with sustainability goals, utilizing recyclable or eco-friendly materials when applicable.
• Manage product testing, validation, and qualification processes to ensure packaging integrity, safety, and compliance.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and reports to internal stakeholders and external customers, highlighting product benefits, performance data, and industry insights.
• Monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in pharmaceutical packaging and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Support marketing and sales teams with technical knowledge during client discussions and in developing marketing collateral.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging development, with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience using project management tools to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• 3+ years of experience in a role that involved building trust with customers and providing high levels of engagement and support.
• 5+ years of experience working with flexible packaging materials (e.g., films, foils, laminates) and manufacturing processes such as extrusion, lamination, printing, and sealing.
• 5+ years of experience collaborating with or leading cross-functional teams.
• 5+ years of experience in a role that required exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical packaging regulatory requirements and standards (FDA, GMP, ISO, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working on sustainability initiatives within packaging development.
• 3+ years of experience in market analysis, product development, and commercialization.
• 3+ years of experience using project management methodologies.
• Experience with pharmaceutical Cold Form and blister foil lidding packaging solutions.
• Project Management Certification (PMP) or equivalent.

Why Winpak?

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, social and financial well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• PPO medical plans and prescription coverage 
• Dental plans
• Vision plan
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance, and critical illness and accident insurance, for you, your spouse, and/or your dependents.
• Telemedicine services for non-emergency medical care
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services, and more.
• Tuition assistance program

Additionally, you can choose to enroll in additional voluntary life insurance for yourself. If you become injured