Abbott

Senior Principal Packaging Engineer - Columbus, OH

Abbott$113K — $226K *
Food & Beverages
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Packaging required; MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years progressive packaging experience, 7+ years leading multi-year programs.
  • 5+ years in infant and pediatric nutrition packaging.
  • Direct management of a functional operating and capital budget.
  • Experienced in qualification of rigid packaging systems across multi-SKU portfolios.
  • Proficient in technical leadership of external manufacturing under regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end Packaging Innovation operating and capital budget.
  • Develop business cases for concepts entering New Product Development.
  • Manage a multi-year roadmap aligning with pipeline demands and capital availability.
  • Lead creative concept development for nutrition products with cross-functional teams.
  • Serve as the senior packaging technical authority for third-party manufacturers.
  • Evaluate external technologies and oversee global implementations.
  • Mentor engineers and set technical standards for the packaging function.

Benefits

  • Creative and innovative work environment.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunity to lead significant projects in nutrition technology.
  • Mentorship opportunities for professional development.
  • Engagement with third-party manufacturing networks worldwide.
Full Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION:

Senior Principal Packaging Engineer, Nutrition Portfolio & Commercialization

Position Summary

Abbott Nutrition is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to serve as the R&D Packaging's technical authority over the packaging innovation portfolio accountable for what enters the pipeline, what it costs, whether it can be manufactured at scale, and whether it launches on time and in compliance.

This role owns the portfolio besides individual projects. The incumbent manages the Packaging Innovation operating and capital budget, aligns the investment case for concepts advancing into New Product Development, and ensures technical authority at feasibility and launch-readiness gates across pediatric and adult nutrition at Abbott plants and across the third-party manufacturing network.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Portfolio & Investment. Own the Packaging Innovation operating and capital budget end to end, with a monthly R&D Finance review cadence and reporting to leadership.
  • Develop and justify the business case for every concept seeking NPD entry, including landed cost, capital and risk mitigation.
  • Sequence the multi-year roadmap against pipeline demand, asset capability, and capital availability.


Innovation & Commercialization
  • Lead creative concept development for liquid and powder infant and pediatric formula, hydration beverages, and adult nutrition, partnering with Brand Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Design agencies, and suppliers.


External Manufacturing
  • Act as senior packaging technical authority for the third-party manufacturing network with documentation, process controls, risk assessment, and verification of compliance with Abbott quality standards through sustained production.
  • Evaluate and down-select external technologies and lead global implementation, including international markets.


Technical Capability
  • Mentor engineers at all levels, establish technical standards and methodologies.
  • Own the function's business systems (Planview, Ariba, SAP/PLM, supplier agreements).


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BRING

Required:
  • BS in Packaging; MBA preferred. 15+ years progressive packaging experience, including 7+ leading multi-year programs and 5+ in infant and pediatric nutrition.
  • Direct ownership of a functional operating and capital budget with a recurring finance review cadence at project-level cost.
  • Qualification of rigid systems (extrusion blow molded bottles and tubs, injection molded components, closures) across a large multi-SKU portfolio.
  • Technical leadership of external manufacturing partners under regulated quality requirements. Global implementation experience. Documented cost savings at portfolio scale.
  • Deep command of rigid and flexible systems, barrier structures, packaging machinery, validation methodology, and food safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Travel Requirement: 15% travel as required.


The base pay for this position is
$113,300.00 - $226,700.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:
Engineering

DIVISION:
ANPD Nutrition Products

LOCATION:
United States > Columbus : 2900 Easton Square Place

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:
Standard

TRAVEL:
Yes, 15 % of the Time

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)

About Abbott

Abbott Careers

Joining Abbott means becoming part of a globally diverse team dedicated to making a lasting impact on human health. As a leader in healthcare innovation, Abbott provides a dynamic workplace where careers flourish through growth, leadership, and diversity training.

Opportunities at Abbott

Explore a world of opportunities with our team. Whether you're seeking job opportunities in engineering, marketing, research, or healthcare, Abbott offers a variety of positions that allow professionals to grow their careers. Our commitment to diversity and innovation is evident in every aspect of our work, fostering an inclusive culture that values each team member's contribution.

Work You'll Do

At Abbott, every role contributes to our mission of helping people live fuller lives through better health. From groundbreaking research in medical devices to advancements in pharmaceuticals, our team is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. By joining Abbott, you are not just accepting a job; you are embarking on a path of professional and personal growth.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an Abbott internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at Abbott work on projects that matter, gaining the experience and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future careers.

Professional Development

Abbott is dedicated to the continuous professional development of its employees. With access to cutting-edge technology, leadership programs, and diversity training, our team members are equipped to lead and innovate within the healthcare industry. We support your career journey with robust training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support their life and well-being. From health insurance to retirement plans, we ensure our team has everything they need to thrive. Abbott's culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, united by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.

Join Our Team

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Abbott. We are hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to lead. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Jobs page. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that's at the cutting edge of healthcare solutions.

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Explore Abbott

With a commitment to improving life through innovation, leadership, and diversity, Abbott is a place where you can fulfill your potential. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Abbott by exploring our career opportunities today.

SEARCH ABBOTT JOBS

Join us in our mission to make the world a healthier place through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Your journey to a fulfilling career at Abbott starts here.
Learn more about Abbott
Size
113,000 employees
Market Cap
$189 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.4 billion
Founded
1944
5 Year Trend
+15.6%
Revenue
$34.6 billion
NASDAQ

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