Principal Packaging Engineer

Principal Packaging Engineer (Sterile Barrier Systems)

Grand Rapids, MI (Travel Required | Up to ~50% at Peak Times)

At Oliver Healthcare Packaging, we're not just designing packaging—we're protecting the integrity of life-saving medical devices around the world

We're looking for a Principal Packaging Engineer to serve as a recognized technical authority in sterile barrier systems and flexible packaging. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role where your expertise will directly influence product innovation, regulatory strategy, and customer success.

If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, influencing across organizations, and shaping the future of healthcare packaging—this is your opportunity.

What You'll Do

Lead at the Highest Technical Level

• Act as a subject matter expert in sterile barrier systems, flexible packaging, and performance testing
• Lead complex, high-impact projects across material selection, packaging design, and validation strategy
• Provide technical mentorship to engineers and lab teams
• Influence product platforms, supplier strategy, and emerging technologies

Be the Face of Engineering to Customers

• Partner directly with customers through consultations, site visits, trials, and troubleshooting
• Support commercial teams with technical insights, data storytelling, and solution positioning
• Lead customer training sessions, workshops, and line trials
• Represent Oliver at industry forums and technical discussions

Drive Innovation & Product Strategy

• Collaborate with R&D and Product Management to assess and advance new product concepts
• Shape portfolio decisions through deep technical insight and application knowledge
• Support product lifecycle activities including optimization, change management, and documentation

Solve Complex Problems Across the Business

• Lead technical investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Partner with Operations and Engineering on process validation and scale-up
• Support supplier qualification and performance improvement initiatives

Elevate Testing & Data Utilization

• Provide expert interpretation of test methods, standards, and complex datasets
• Contribute to the evolution of lab systems, tools, and data accessibility
• Perform advanced testing and analysis as needed

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in packaging engineering (medical device strongly preferred)
• Deep expertise in sterile and flexible packaging design and performance
• Strong knowledge of ISO 11607, ISO 13485, and medical device packaging requirements
• Experience with Thermoform-Fill-Seal and Tray/Lid sealing technologies
• Proficiency in DFMEA, DOE, SPC, Gauge R&R, and statistical analysis tools (Minitab, Excel)
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence and translate complex technical concepts
• Experience with CAD (2D/3D) is a plus

Why This Role Matters

This isn't a back-room engineering role. You'll be:

• A trusted advisor to customers
• A technical voice shaping product and industry direction
• A key contributor to Oliver's reputation as a leader in healthcare packaging

Work Environment & Travel

• Mix of lab, manufacturing, and office environments
• Travel up to ~50% (customer sites, manufacturing locations, industry events)

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're ready to operate at a principal level—where your expertise drives real-world outcomes in healthcare—we'd love to connect.