Packaging Specialist, Discovery & Innovation

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! 

POSITION PURPOSE 

PDI’s Discovery & Innovation team is responsible for building the future pipeline of differentiated technologies, platforms, and solutions that enable long‑term growth and market leadership. The team focuses on early‑stage research, materials and packaging innovation, feasibility, and external collaboration.

The Packaging Specialist, Discovery & Innovation plays a critical role in shaping future‑state packaging strategies and platforms by exploring novel materials, formats, and technologies that enable differentiated product concepts. This role is intended for a highly self‑motivated individual who thrives in ambiguity, challenges conventional thinking, and demonstrates strong ownership in early‑stage environments.

The role connects customer and market insights with early‑stage technical exploration to inform differentiated, future‑ready packaging platforms, while setting a high standard for innovation rigor, accountability, and creative problem‑solving within Discovery & Innovation. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES 

• Lead early‑stage packaging innovation and concept exploration in support of future‑state platforms and pipeline creation
• Maintain a pipeline of short‑, mid‑, and long‑term packaging innovation opportunities aligned to strategic priorities
• Identify white‑space opportunities through technology scouting, market insight, and competitive benchmarking
• Apply strategic thinking with commercial awareness to prioritize innovation opportunities with long‑term value potential
• Translate consumer insights, customer feedback (when appropriate), and market trends into differentiated technical packaging solutions
• Develop early concepts, mockups, and prototypes to evaluate feasibility, differentiation, and scalability
• Conduct early‑stage lab testing, including fast‑fail and proof‑of‑concept evaluations, to rapidly assess technical viability
• Integrate packaging considerations into early research and platform development through close collaboration with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers
• Engage suppliers, partners, and academic collaborators to explore novel packaging materials, formats, and systems
• Attend trade shows and industry events to source emerging packaging technologies and innovation opportunities
• Identify early technical and material risks and define mitigation strategies to inform downstream development
• Synthesize, document, and communicate findings to support portfolio decisions and pipeline advancement
• Present innovation concepts, feasibility insights, and technical recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Contribution to future-state pipeline through validated packaging concepts and platform insights
• Quality and clarity of feasibility assessments and technical recommendations
• Demonstrated ownership and initiative in advancing packaging innovation opportunities
• Effectiveness of collaboration with internal teams and external partners
• Consistent application of innovation rigor in early-stage work

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program
• Advanced degree preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and systems
• Understanding of early-stage research, feasibility, and platform development
• Awareness of packaging considerations within regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharmaceutical, or consumer healthcare)
• Familiarity with emerging materials, sustainability considerations, and packaging innovation trends

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 3–6 years of experience in packaging engineering, materials development, or innovation-focused R&D roles
• Experience supporting early-stage research or feasibility activities preferred
• Experience working in or supporting regulated product environments
• Exposure to supplier collaboration, external partnerships, or academic engagement
• Experience conducting exploratory testing, prototype evaluation, or concept screening

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong foundation in packaging materials, formats, and systems, with the ability to apply this knowledge in early‑stage, exploratory innovation environments
• Ability to translate consumer insights, market trends, and technical data into clear, differentiated packaging concepts and recommendations
• Demonstrated analytical and creative problem‑solving skills, with comfort operating in ambiguity and navigating undefined problem spaces
• Experience conducting exploratory testing, fast‑fail experimentation, or proof‑of‑concept evaluations to assess technical feasibility and risk
• Ability to synthesize experimental results, technical findings, and external insights into clear documentation to support early‑stage decision‑making
• Capability to draft technical specifications, concept documentation, and feasibility summaries appropriate for early development stages
• Experience with packaging CAD or design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present innovation concepts and technical recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across R&D, suppliers, partners, and external collaborators
• Ability to influence through technical credibility, thoughtful analysis, and quality execution
• High level of ownership, self‑motivation, and accountability for advancing work from concept through early feasibility
• Learning agility and curiosity, with an interest in emerging packaging technologies, materials, and innovation trends
• Comfort leveraging digital and AI‑enabled tools to accelerate research, concept development, and data synthesis

WORKING CONDITIONS

• No hazardous or unpleasant working conditions

SALARY RANGE:

• $80,000 - $115,000 Annually

BENEFITS 

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts. 

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including:  sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.