Sr. Packaging Sustainability Engineer Contractor

RQM+ is the leading MedTech solutions partner, accelerating the product lifecycle from innovation to patient impact. While manufacturers create medical technology, we apply our end-to-end expertise to propel products from concept through market entry and ongoing post-market support.

Our tailored solutions bring unmatched regulatory and quality expertise, FDA-recognized laboratory and materials science, comprehensive clinical trial design and execution, and impactful reimbursement strategies — accelerating market entry and commercial growth. We partner closely with manufacturers across device types and therapeutic areas to deliver life-changing technologies to patients: faster, safer, better.

We don’t make MedTech. We make MedTech happen.

The Sr. Packaging Sustainability Engineer is responsible for the sustainable development and analysis of packaging, products, materials, processes, or equipment for medical devices. Under limited supervision/guidance, compiles, analyzes, and reports operational, test, and research data to establish sustainable performance standards for newly designed or modified packaging, products, processes, or materials.

12 Month Contract

On-site Minnetonka, MN

• Fully participates in and successfully contributes to project teams typically including the following activities related to sustainability: packaging/product design and development, test of materials, preparation of specifications, process capability studies, report preparation, and process/test documentation.
• Ensures proposed sustainable packaging design changes are systematically and thoroughly analyzed through proper justification and/or data collection for verification of performance requirements.
• Work independently to plan and schedule own activities necessary to meet project timelines.
• Work cross-functionally with product stewardship (environmental), project management, quality, R&D, manufacturing, regulatory, operations, and marketing to ensure project success.
• Work with external suppliers to design, qualify and procure packaging components. Includes knowledge of sustainable packaging materials.
• Complete packaging testing and/or bench study experiments for commercial design improvements.
• Participate in resource planning, and the development and implementation of new team members for supporting due diligence and integration activities.
• Generate packaging-related documentation including test protocols and reports.
• Develop life cycle assessments and associated reports.
• Understand circular economy and eco-design principles.
• Perform root cause analysis as related to design, material, or process failures.
• Summarize, analyze, and draw conclusions from test results.
• Design, procure, and fabricate tooling and fixtures.
• As applicable, train technicians or operators on new processes or test procedures.
• Identify areas for continuous sustainable improvement and execute value and improvement projects.
• Identify, plan and execute packaging redesign projects impact cost of goods.
• Keep abreast of new technologies and advances in the greater packaging industries.

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging, sustainability, or any engineering discipline
• Experience with sustainability assessments or packaging optimization projects
• Strong knowledge of packaging sustainability standards, life cycle assessment (LCA) tools (e.g., SimaPro, GaBi), and eco-design principles
• Understanding of global regulatory requirements related to packaging and sustainability (e.g., FDA, EU Packaging Directive, Extended Producer Responsibility programs)
• Experience working in the medical device, pharmaceutical or similar industry
• Minimum 7 yrs of packaging engineering experience with related equipment and materials (i.e. paperboard, corrugated, flexible films, Tyvek, thermoformed trays and injection molded parts)
• Proficient with MS Office applications (i.e. Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Project etc.)
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks and meet timelines

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering
• Experience with supply chain and distribution
• 7+ Packaging Engineering experience, medical device related experience preferred
• Intermediate knowledge related to paperboard, corrugated, flexible packaging films, Tyvek, thermoformed trays, injection molded parts, and packaging equipment. Capital systems/ crate packaging related knowledge preferred
• Training in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) or carbon accounting 
• Demonstrated ability to drive material reduction, recyclability, or reuse initiatives
• Knowledge of supply chain and end-of-life considerations in packaging design
• Knowledge of ASTM and ISTA package testing requirements
• Packaging process and equipment qualification experience
• Strong communication skills (oral, written and virtual)
• Demonstrated problem solving capability
• Quality-driven with great work ethic, highly motivated, tenacious and meticulous in execution
• Strong attention to detail; ability to manage simultaneous projects and timelines effectively
• Understanding of quality system controls (e.g. user needs, design inputs/outputs, verification/validation, etc.)
• Experience with sustainability and process improvement initiatives
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals on all levels
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills; analytical and process-driven
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects efficiently

Being an industry leader in Medtech is just the beginning for RQM+. We consider our employees our biggest asset and we invest heavily in ongoing learning and development. Providing a rewarding place to work is rooted deep in our core values. From an industry leading compensation package to a deeply engrained focus on work life balance, RQM+ has a unique offering for regulatory and quality professionals. At RQM+, you are not just another employee, you are a member of RQM+ family. Make your impact today! 

We invite you to apply if you have an interest in learning more about our organization and beginning your journey with us.

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