Process Engineer - Molding and Packaging

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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Des Plaines, IL location in Abbott Molecular Diagnostics. Abbott Molecular Diagnostics is a leader in molecular diagnostics and the analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins at the molecular level.

As the Process Engineer - Injection Molding and Packaging, you'll be responsible for the completion of injection molding and packaging engineering projects, including the design and development of molding and packaging consumables, molding and packaging processes, labeling processes, documentation, tooling, and fixtures to enhance productivity and product quality.

What You'll Work On

• Provide technical support for molding and packaging processes to ensure smooth production and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with suppliers to maintain a reliable supply of molded and packaged parts, performing capacity analysis for molds, presses, packaging machinery, and assembly automation.
• Apply data-driven methodologies, including Design of Experiment (DOE) tools and Scientific/Decoupled Molding principles, to establish and enhance robust process windows for molding and packaging operations.
• Partner with suppliers to ensure effective process validation, design for manufacturing, material selection, and process development for both molding and packaging components.
• Drive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and oversee mold and packaging equipment development to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the project engineer for mold and packaging design reviews and development, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with project goals.
• Build, test, and evaluate mold prototypes and packaging solutions to ensure functionality and quality.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, protocols, and validation reports
• Lead new mold and packaging system testing, material trials, engineering changes, and design validations to meet quality standards.
• Create and execute packaging and labeling qualification study protocols in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Participate in cross-functional efforts to investigate and resolve quality issues related to molding and packaging processes.
• Utilize advanced CAD software, such as SOLIDWORKS, to design and refine molded and packaged components.
• Support reviews and updates of packaging material specifications, associated drawings, and manufacturing procedures.
• Perform change impact assessments and ensure seamless implementation of process updates, contributing to projects such as Supplier Change Notices, Gross Margin Improvements, and New Product Introductions.

Education and Experience, You'll Bring:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of technical work experience in the plastic injection and packaging industry, preferably in the medical device.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of FDA QSR's and ISO requirements preferred.
• Experience with GDT (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), quality measurement technique and use of SolidWorks.
• Experience with process validation, six-sigma root cause analysis and statistical software such as Minitab or JMP preferred.
• RJG Master Molder Certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of mold design fundamentals, molding process development, plastic resin behavior and required tooling/equipment.
• Have solid technical background and understanding of engineering and quality principles and procedures, e.g. DoE, root cause analysis, data analysis techniques, etc.
• Have knowledge of primary, secondary, and higher level packaging systems and materials
• Have knowledge of flexible packaging materials and laminates for roll form or pouch designs, rigid packaging containers like corrugated or carboard boxes, understanding of temperature controlled product shipping and packaging designs
• Have knowledge with ASTM, ISTA standards for shipping validations and packaging material testing.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance.

• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives, and retirement plans.

• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness, and occupational health programs.

• Paid time off.

• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match.

• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and a history of being actively involved in local communities.

An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

The base pay for this position is $68,000.00 - $136,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.