POSITION PURPOSEPDI's Discovery & Innovation team is responsible for building the future pipeline of differentiated technologies, platforms, and solutions that enable long-term growth and market leadership. The team focuses on early-stage research, materials and packaging innovation, feasibility, and external collaboration.
The Packaging Specialist, Discovery & Innovation plays a critical role in shaping future-state packaging strategies and platforms by exploring novel materials, formats, and technologies that enable differentiated product concepts. This role is intended for a highly self-motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, challenges conventional thinking, and demonstrates strong ownership in early-stage environments.
The role connects customer and market insights with early-stage technical exploration to inform differentiated, future-ready packaging platforms, while setting a high standard for innovation rigor, accountability, and creative problem-solving within Discovery & Innovation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES- Lead early-stage packaging innovation and concept exploration in support of future-state platforms and pipeline creation
- Maintain a pipeline of short-, mid-, and long-term packaging innovation opportunities aligned to strategic priorities
- Identify white-space opportunities through technology scouting, market insight, and competitive benchmarking
- Apply strategic thinking with commercial awareness to prioritize innovation opportunities with long-term value potential
- Translate consumer insights, customer feedback (when appropriate), and market trends into differentiated technical packaging solutions
- Develop early concepts, mockups, and prototypes to evaluate feasibility, differentiation, and scalability
- Conduct early-stage lab testing, including fast-fail and proof-of-concept evaluations, to rapidly assess technical viability
- Integrate packaging considerations into early research and platform development through close collaboration with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers
- Engage suppliers, partners, and academic collaborators to explore novel packaging materials, formats, and systems
- Attend trade shows and industry events to source emerging packaging technologies and innovation opportunities
- Identify early technical and material risks and define mitigation strategies to inform downstream development
- Synthesize, document, and communicate findings to support portfolio decisions and pipeline advancement
- Present innovation concepts, feasibility insights, and technical recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS- Contribution to future-state pipeline through validated packaging concepts and platform insights
- Quality and clarity of feasibility assessments and technical recommendations
- Demonstrated ownership and initiative in advancing packaging innovation opportunities
- Effectiveness of collaboration with internal teams and external partners
- Consistent application of innovation rigor in early-stage work
QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION/CERTIFICATION- BS in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program
- Advanced degree preferred
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE- Working knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and systems
- Understanding of early-stage research, feasibility, and platform development
- Awareness of packaging considerations within regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharmaceutical, or consumer healthcare)
- Familiarity with emerging materials, sustainability considerations, and packaging innovation trends
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED- 3-6 years of experience in packaging engineering, materials development, or innovation-focused R&D roles
- Experience supporting early-stage research or feasibility activities preferred
- Experience working in or supporting regulated product environments
- Exposure to supplier collaboration, external partnerships, or academic engagement
- Experience conducting exploratory testing, prototype evaluation, or concept screening
SKILLS/ABILITIES- Strong foundation in packaging materials, formats, and systems, with the ability to apply this knowledge in early-stage, exploratory innovation environments
- Ability to translate consumer insights, market trends, and technical data into clear, differentiated packaging concepts and recommendations
- Demonstrated analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with comfort operating in ambiguity and navigating undefined problem spaces
- Experience conducting exploratory testing, fast-fail experimentation, or proof-of-concept evaluations to assess technical feasibility and risk
- Ability to synthesize experimental results, technical findings, and external insights into clear documentation to support early-stage decision-making
- Capability to draft technical specifications, concept documentation, and feasibility summaries appropriate for early development stages
- Experience with packaging CAD or design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present innovation concepts and technical recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across R&D, suppliers, partners, and external collaborators
- Ability to influence through technical credibility, thoughtful analysis, and quality execution
- High level of ownership, self-motivation, and accountability for advancing work from concept through early feasibility
- Learning agility and curiosity, with an interest in emerging packaging technologies, materials, and innovation trends
- Comfort leveraging digital and AI-enabled tools to accelerate research, concept development, and data synthesis
WORKING CONDITIONS- No hazardous or unpleasant working conditions
SALARY RANGE:- $80,000 - $115,000 Annually
BENEFITSPDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:- Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
- Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short & long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Advocacy Program
PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.
