Sr. Packaging Engineer

Pfizer Pfizer · Pharma · MO

This role focuses on the selection, qualification, and implementation of packaging components and container closure systems for pharmaceutical products, including combination products. It involves supporting formulation and process development, authoring technical documentation, participating in design control teams, conducting investigations, driving testing activities, and authoring regulatory submission content. The role requires strong technical expertise in parenteral packaging, medical device development, and regulatory compliance within a cGMP environment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Work closely with vendors, research and development SMEs and commercial Site SME’s in the evaluation, development, qualification and implementation of new components and container closure systems
  2. Support the formulation and process development groups in Andover and St Louis sites to comply with regulatory requirements and guidance documents related to components and container closure systems
  3. Author and/or review engineering and development documentation such as component drawings and specifications, assembly drawings, tolerance stack analyses, risk analyses, etc.
  4. Participate on design control teams to author and/or review applicable design control documentation, such as design verification supporting documentation, specifications, component/device requirements and related functionality assessments, risk assessments, etc..
  5. Facilitate, support and/or execute verification of device components and delivery systems

Skills

Required

  • BA/BS with 9 to 11 years of experience or MBA/MS with 7 to 8 years of experience or PhD with 0 to 3 years of experience
  • Strong technical skills in formulation development and process optimization
  • Strong knowledge of parenteral packaging components and testing equipment (e.g., Instron, ZebraSci, MIMAS, Computrac, plunger movement chambers)
  • Proficiency in using analytical instruments and techniques
  • Experience in cGMP manufacturing and clinical trials supply chain management
  • Ability to work independently and proactively within a team
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Strong communication and critical thinking abilities
  • In-depth understanding of global regulatory and quality standards (FDA, ICH, ISO 13485, 11040, 10993, USP/EP/JP compendia, combination product regulations)
  • Ability to interface with regulatory agencies and provide sound technical justifications

Nice to have

  • Proficiency with analytical instruments such as HPLC/UPLC, SEC, LC-MS, BiaCORE, DSC, and GC
  • Experience with methods to determine formulation content, including drug, polymer, lipid, and in vitro release
  • Experience in authoring and reviewing technical documentation
  • Strong data management skills, including data processing and report writing
  • Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
  • Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

What the JD emphasized

  • Strong technical skills in formulation development and process optimization
  • Strong knowledge of parenteral packaging components and testing equipment
  • Experience in cGMP manufacturing and clinical trials supply chain management
  • In-depth understanding of global regulatory and quality standards