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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

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 yearAn excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contributionTuition 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 around the world 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 a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Abbott Park (Lake Bluff), IL location in the Core Diagnostics Division. Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe. The crucial information derived from our tests, instruments and informatics systems are often the first step in patient care decision making for hundreds of health conditions from heart attacks to blood disorders to infectious diseases and cancers.

As the Packaging Engineer ​Lab Leader, you will be responsible for leading the packaging engineering lab that is responsible for qualifying medical device packaging. The position oversees daily lab operations, including test scheduling, equipment maintenance, inventory control, and compliance with Standard Test Procedures (STPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDP). The leader manages multiple direct reports, providing technical and team leadership for packaging lab technicians, collaborating lab resources to support cross-functional teams in new product development, on-market improvements, and distribution packaging qualifications. Performs hands-on testing as needed, maintains accurate records, and reports lab performance metrics. Drives continuous improvement and ensure alignment with quality and regulatory standards. 

Responsibilities

Design new or update existing secondary and or tertiary packaging for diagnostic productsSchedule 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 performanceMaintain lab equipment and facilities in functional and clean condition, ensuring compliance with Abbott quality policies and procedures.Responsible for characterization, verification and validation activities for packaging design and labeling, including IQ, OQ, PQ, and the dangerous goods certification programLead a team of packaging technicians including setting goals, providing annual reviews, and develop technical and soft skills for team membersDevelop, 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, QA, Planning, and Manufacturing—to resolve packaging issues and support business-critical initiativesProvide packaging technical support and expert services to various manufacturing sites and divisionsLead risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to ensure packaging integrity, regulatory compliance, and business continuityGenerate cost savings ideas, complete proof of concept development efforts, and deliver cost savings annuallyServe as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) during internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and compliance through robust documentation and procedural adherenceImprove sustainability for on-market packaging productsDrive capital planning and investment strategies for lab infrastructure, including equipment upgrades and technology adoption to enhance testing capabilities

Education and Experience

Required

Bachelors Degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or closely related field with 6 years of progressive responsible. Higher education can substitute for work experience.

Preferred

Strong understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials and their qualification for healthcare products.Experience in packaging, R&D, or operations within the medical device or regulated industrySkilled in managing lab workflows, equipment, inventory, and testing schedulesProven ability to independently lead lab projects, manage budgets, and allocate resources effectivelyFamiliar with FDA, DOT, IATA, ASTM, ISTA, GMP, and GDP standardsExperience with 1D/2D barcodes and labelingExperienced in developing Standard Test Procedures/OPs and serving as SME during auditsCapable of mentoring lab staff and working cross-functionally with engineering, QA, and manufacturing teams.Drives continuous improvement and evaluates new technologies and eco-friendly packaging solutionsDangerous Goods Certification preferredGood knowledge of ISO, ASTM, ISTA standardsGood understanding of statistics including DoE, sample size calculations, statistical process controls.Knowledge of lean six sigma methodologiesExperience with Artios CAD

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

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 www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is $97,300.00 – $194,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.