Packaging Engineer Lab Leader at Abbott

North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Abbott Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Healthcare, Diagnostics, Medical DevicesIndustries

Requirements

  • Leadership experience in managing packaging engineering labs or similar technical labs
  • Expertise in qualifying medical device packaging, including characterization, verification, validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), and dangerous goods certification
  • Knowledge of Standard Test Procedures (STPs), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and compliance with quality and regulatory standards
  • Ability to oversee daily lab operations, including test scheduling, equipment maintenance, inventory control, and equipment calibration/qualification
  • Experience managing direct reports, providing technical/team leadership, setting goals, conducting annual reviews, and developing technical/soft skills
  • Proficiency in hands-on testing, maintaining accurate records, and performing data analysis for lab performance metrics
  • Capability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineers) on new product development, on-market improvements, and distribution packaging qualifications
  • Skills in driving continuous improvement using data-driven insights

Responsibilities

  • Lead the packaging engineering lab responsible for qualifying medical device packaging
  • Oversee daily lab operations, including test scheduling, equipment maintenance, inventory control, and compliance with STPs and GDP
  • Manage multiple direct reports (packaging lab technicians), providing technical and team leadership
  • Design new or update existing secondary and/or tertiary packaging for diagnostic products
  • Schedule and track packaging tests to ensure timely execution and on-time release of test reports to meet project timelines
  • Ensure test data is accurate, results are reliable, and all activities comply with established procedures and protocols
  • Oversee equipment calibration and qualification activities to ensure accurate and reliable testing performance
  • Maintain lab equipment and facilities in functional and clean condition, ensuring compliance with Abbott quality policies and procedures
  • Lead characterization, verification, and validation activities for packaging design and labeling, including IQ, OQ, PQ, and the dangerous goods certification program
  • Develop, monitor, and report on lab performance metrics, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive operational improvements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Engineers—in new product development, on-market improvements, and distribution packaging qualifications
  • Perform hands-on testing as needed and maintain accurate records

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Packaging EngineeringLab LeadershipDiagnosticsMedical DevicesQuality ControlRegulatory ComplianceProject ManagementMaterial Science

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What benefits does Abbott offer?

Abbott provides career development opportunities, free medical coverage through the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO, an excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution, tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit.

Is this position remote or onsite?

This position works out of the Abbott Park (Lake Bluff), IL location.

What are the main responsibilities of the Packaging Engineer Lab Leader?

The role involves leading the packaging engineering lab, overseeing daily operations like test scheduling, equipment maintenance, inventory control, and compliance, managing direct reports, performing hands-on testing, and designing or updating packaging for diagnostic products.

What is the company culture like at Abbott?

Abbott emphasizes doing work that matters, personal growth, learning, caring for yourself and family, being your true self, and living a full life, and is recognized as a great place to work, one of the most admired companies, and best for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

What makes a strong candidate for this Packaging Engineer Lab Leader role?

Strong candidates should have expertise in packaging engineering for medical devices, leadership experience managing direct reports and lab operations, knowledge of compliance standards like STPs and GDP, and the ability to drive continuous improvement and collaborate cross-functionally.

Abbott

Healthcare solutions in diagnostics and devices

About Abbott

Abbott Laboratories focuses on improving health through various medical technologies and health solutions. The company operates in areas such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and neuromodulation for chronic pain and movement disorders. Abbott's products include advanced medical devices and diagnostic tests that help healthcare professionals and patients manage health conditions effectively. For example, their cardiovascular technologies assist in heart health management, while diabetes care products enable accurate glucose monitoring without painful fingersticks. Unlike many competitors, Abbott emphasizes accessibility and affordability in its offerings, aiming to make life-changing technologies available to a broader audience. The company's goal is to positively impact global health and well-being, supported by a commitment to sustainability and a 2030 Sustainability Plan.

Lake Bluff, IllinoisHeadquarters
1888Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
HealthcareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Risks

Departure of key leader Dr. Adamson may affect Abbott's Heart Failure division.
Integration challenges with Medtronic could impact glucose monitor-insulin pump rollout.
Thermo Fisher's microfluidics expansion may increase competition for Abbott.

Differentiation

Abbott integrates continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin delivery systems.
Abbott's microfluidic devices streamline diagnostic processes efficiently.
Abbott's neuromodulation products target specific nervous system areas for chronic pain relief.

Upsides

Microfluidic technology offers cost-effective solutions in diagnostics.
Strategic partnerships like Abbott-Medtronic enhance product offerings and market reach.
Significant investments indicate strong market confidence in Abbott's healthcare solutions.

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