Senior Packaging Engineer

Description

Corporate Statement

Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a privately owned global leader in the manufacturing of generic drug products, over-the-counter (OTC) drug products and medical devices. Nephron's products are sterile, preservative and additive free and proudly made in the USA! We are headquartered in West Columbia, South Carolina. Our location provides the ability to develop new devices and medications including respiratory therapies, ophthalmics, and injectables, for in-house or contract manufacturing opportunities. The facility utilizes completely automated manufacturing, packaging, and distribution systems, in addition to high volume and redundant utility systems, to ensure production system availability. Nephron specializes in Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) manufacturing, a niche technology that allows a vial of medication to be formed, filled and sealed in a continuous process, in a sterile, enclosed environment and without human intervention.

As an industry leader in product safety and quality, Nephron produces a variety of inhalation solutions, and has distributed over 1 billion doses of respiratory medication per year since 2009. Nephron is currently working on research and development projects that include over 50 new products.  The company's longstanding relationships with major drug wholesalers allow us to distribute our products to retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, hospitals, home care companies, and long term care facilities. Nephron has a sales force that covers all fifty states and Puerto Rico, with additional sales channels throughout South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Nephron exists to provide top-quality, affordable medications to everyone.

Position Summary:

A Packaging Engineer plays a crucial role in the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions for various products. Their primary objective is implementing packaging solutions that safeguard products during transportation and storage. They also ensure that the entire shipping process, from packaging to logistics, is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

Primary Accountabilities:

• Packaging Design: Design and develop packaging solutions for a wide range of products, considering factors such as product size, shape, fragility, and transportation needs.
• Material Selection: Select appropriate packaging materials, considering factors like strength, durability, cost, and environmental impact. This may include plastics, cardboard, foam, and more.
• Cost Analysis: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of packaging materials and designs, aiming to optimize both product protection and production costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that packaging designs meet industry and government regulations,especially when dealing with hazardous materials or food products.
• Sustainability: Explore and implement eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options, considering the environmental impact and consumer preferences.
• Testing and Prototyping: Conduct testing and create prototypes to assess the effectiveness of packaging solutions, making necessary adjustments as required.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product designers, production engineers, and logistics specialists to ensure seamless integration of packaging into the supply chain.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in packaging processes and materials to enhance product protection, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
• Supplier Management: Collaborate with suppliers to source packaging materials, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery and quality control.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of packaging designs, testing results, and material specifications. Ensure all documentation is up to date and easily accessible.
• Quality Control: Monitor the quality of packaging materials and processes, addressing any issues that may affect product safety or efficiency.

Ability to follow cGMP's and good documentation practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

NOTE: The primary accountabilities and knowledge, skills and abilities listed are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or most of the primary accountabilities listed below. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager.
 

Bachelor's or higher degree in Packaging Engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.

Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software for packaging design.

Knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and regulations.

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Understanding of sustainability principles in packaging.

Project management skills to meet deadlines and budgets. Must pass a Drug Test.

Must speak, write, and read English. 

Specific expertise, skills and knowledge within maintenance gained through education and experience.

The ability to take strategic objectives and accept accountability to drive results through effective actions.

The ability and willingness to change direction and focus to meet shifting organizational and business demands.

The ability to effectively manage one self, demonstrates integrity, be productive under pressure, and achieve development goals.

The ability to create new products and processes that add value to the Business by generating new ideas and applying creative and analytical approaches. 

Logistics Optimization: Work to optimize the entire shipping process, including route planning, warehousing, and transportation methods, to minimize costs and delivery times.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with 3D modeling and prototyping software.

Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma principles.

Familiarity with international packaging standards and regulations.

Understanding of automation and robotics in packaging.

A Packaging Engineer is instrumental in ensuring that products reach consumers or end-users in pristine condition, and their work is crucial in maintaining product quality, safety, and cost-efficiency. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Knowledge of the Pharmaceutical Industry preferred

Position requires lifting (up to 50lbs), bending, climbing, reaching, good vision, standing, sitting, walking, gripping, talking, and hearing.

Incumbents required to wear safety glasses, hearing protection and other non-specified protective equipment as necessary.

Salary range: Based on experience

8 Hours (M-F) Must be flexible to work across all shifts

Available to work on-call per managements request. 

EEO Statement: 

Nephron is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, mental or physical disability of a qualified individual, veteran or military status, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, genetic information, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local law.

Nephron Pharmaceuticals is a drug free workplace.