Associate Packaging Engineer - Columbus, OH

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Associate Packaging Engineer

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.

• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.

• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

Our location in  Columbus, OH currently has an opportunity for an Associate Packaging Engineer in ourNutrition division. Our nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac, PediaSure, Pedialyte, Ensure, and Glucerna – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives. 

This position is responsible for performing both primary and secondary packaging testing, as well as providing technical knowledge and leadership to identify and implement packaging programs (i.e. bottles, closures, adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, corrugated shippers, paper cartons, various printing technology) for Abbott Nutrition. Must be able to understand packaging test methods and developing test methods. May be able to design and execute new packaging materials and structures. Programs will range from development of new primary and secondary packaging testing concepts through optimization of existing packaging test methods for nutritional products. Effective ability to collaborate across divisional and regional boundaries is critical to be successful. This position functionally resides in the Global Packaging Operations group, reporting directly to the Packaging Technical Services Manager. The position will require the incumbent to travel domestically and internationally sometimes at short notice and for extended durations. This position involves cross functional collaboration with Packaging Operations, Labeling, Procurement, and Quality Assurance.

What You'll Work On

• Execute package testing for both primary and secondary packaging that support R&D and Operations.

• Issue test reports based on the data collected during the testing process.

• Support instrument qualification, test method development, and test method validation.

• Identify and develop new packaging structures from concept through commercialization.

• Develop and produce packaging mock-up samples for design review.

• Support and lead package function and distribution testing in the Packaging Lab.

• Implement project work for Abbott sites and third-party co-packaging manufacturers.

• Identify and implement cost-optimized opportunities with existing packaging.

• Provide technical expertise on packaging issues.

• Provide detailed technical input and support to organizations employed on major capital projects.

• Provide technical input to manufacturing sites on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) improvement solutions.

• Identification and development of new packaging structures from concept through commercialization.

• Identify and develop new packaging test methods and execute validation protocols

• Conduct packaging test method transfer and implement at Abbott Nutrition manufacturing sites

• Identify and implement cost optimized opportunities with existing packaging.

• Provide technical expertise on a wide range of packaging issues.

• Provide detailed technical input & support to A&E organizations employed on major capital projects.

• Provide key engineering support in the construction, commissioning and start-up of new facilities and equipment.

• Support the expansion group in the development of the project scope, design and cost estimates for global expansion programs.

• Deliver capital project cost estimates and timeliness that are accurate to ensure projects can be executed on time and on budget.

• Where necessary manage capital & non-capital projects as required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 years' experience in technical package engineering position or related field.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging, Engineering or related technical field

• Thorough technical knowledge of a wide range of packaging materials, structures, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience in packaging test equipment and packaging software programs (ie. AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Cape Pack)

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple global projects.

• Demonstrated leadership skills.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Ability to effectively interface with broad global cross functional teams.

• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently.

• Effective problem solving skills.

• 20% travel, includes domestic and international travel.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at abbott.com , on LinkedIn at , and on Facebook at

The base pay for this position is $50,700.00 – $101,300.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.