OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Packaging Engineer jobs are a strong fit for OPT work authorization, with roles spanning consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food manufacturing. Most positions require a degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, or materials science, and STEM OPT extension eligibility is common given the technical nature of the work.
Find OPT Packaging Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 124+ Packaging Engineer jobs
See all 124+ Packaging Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Packaging Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are the people who give possibilities purpose. BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
Job Description
The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement of packaging systems for medical devices manufactured at the site. This role ensures packaging solutions meet product protection, regulatory, quality, operational, and customer requirements while supporting FDA remediation activities, process optimization, product launches, and cost reduction initiatives. The Packaging Engineer collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver compliant and efficient packaging solutions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Packaging Design & Development
- Design, develop, and implement primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for medical device products.
- Evaluate packaging materials, components, and configurations to ensure product protection and performance throughout the product lifecycle.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), product transfers, and packaging changes.
- Develop packaging specifications, drawings, bill of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation.
Validation & Regulatory Compliance
- Develop and execute packaging validation protocols, including:
- Installation Qualification (IQ)
- Operational Qualification (OQ)
- Performance Qualification (PQ)
- Support packaging process validation activities in compliance with:
- FDA Quality System Regulations (21 CFR Part 820)
- ISO 13485
- ISO 11607
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Participate in risk assessments, FMEAs, and design reviews.
- Ensure compliance with BD quality standards and documentation requirements.
Manufacturing Support
- Provide engineering support for packaging operations and manufacturing processes.
- Investigate packaging-related quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Support nonconformance investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with operations teams to improve packaging efficiency, quality, and productivity.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and execute cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to improve packaging performance.
- Drive initiatives related to waste reduction, material optimization, and operational excellence.
- Support digitalization and automation opportunities within packaging processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with R&D, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams.
- Interface with packaging material suppliers and contract manufacturers.
- Support internal and external audits, including FDA inspections and customer audits.
- Provide technical expertise on packaging-related projects and change controls.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related technical field.
- 3+ years of engineering experience in packaging, manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated industries.
- Experience with packaging validation and testing methodologies.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations and quality systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Technical Skills
- Packaging materials and technologies
- Packaging equipment and automation systems
- FDA regulations and GMP requirements
- Statistical analysis and validation methodologies
- Risk management and FMEA processes
- Root cause analysis and CAPA systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems
- Statistical software (Minitab preferred)
- CAD software preferred
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent project management abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to work in manufacturing and cleanroom environment.
Why Join Us?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
Primary Work Location
USA TX - El Paso - Northwestern Dr.
Work Shift
INTRODUCTION
We are the people who give possibilities purpose. BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
Job Description
The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement of packaging systems for medical devices manufactured at the site. This role ensures packaging solutions meet product protection, regulatory, quality, operational, and customer requirements while supporting FDA remediation activities, process optimization, product launches, and cost reduction initiatives. The Packaging Engineer collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver compliant and efficient packaging solutions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Packaging Design & Development
- Design, develop, and implement primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for medical device products.
- Evaluate packaging materials, components, and configurations to ensure product protection and performance throughout the product lifecycle.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), product transfers, and packaging changes.
- Develop packaging specifications, drawings, bill of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation.
Validation & Regulatory Compliance
- Develop and execute packaging validation protocols, including:
- Installation Qualification (IQ)
- Operational Qualification (OQ)
- Performance Qualification (PQ)
- Support packaging process validation activities in compliance with:
- FDA Quality System Regulations (21 CFR Part 820)
- ISO 13485
- ISO 11607
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Participate in risk assessments, FMEAs, and design reviews.
- Ensure compliance with BD quality standards and documentation requirements.
Manufacturing Support
- Provide engineering support for packaging operations and manufacturing processes.
- Investigate packaging-related quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Support nonconformance investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with operations teams to improve packaging efficiency, quality, and productivity.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and execute cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to improve packaging performance.
- Drive initiatives related to waste reduction, material optimization, and operational excellence.
- Support digitalization and automation opportunities within packaging processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with R&D, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams.
- Interface with packaging material suppliers and contract manufacturers.
- Support internal and external audits, including FDA inspections and customer audits.
- Provide technical expertise on packaging-related projects and change controls.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related technical field.
- 3+ years of engineering experience in packaging, manufacturing, medical device, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated industries.
- Experience with packaging validation and testing methodologies.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations and quality systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Technical Skills
- Packaging materials and technologies
- Packaging equipment and automation systems
- FDA regulations and GMP requirements
- Statistical analysis and validation methodologies
- Risk management and FMEA processes
- Root cause analysis and CAPA systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems
- Statistical software (Minitab preferred)
- CAD software preferred
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent project management abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to work in manufacturing and cleanroom environment.
Why Join Us?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
Primary Work Location
USA TX - El Paso - Northwestern Dr.
Work Shift
See all 124+ OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Packaging Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs first
Packaging engineering roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree program's CIP code is STEM-designated before applying, so you can honestly communicate your full three-year authorization window to employers.
Lead with your technical specialization
Employers hiring packaging engineers want specifics. Mention materials experience (rigid plastics, flexible films, corrugated), software proficiency (CAPE, ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks), and any sustainability or lightweighting projects. Generic resumes get filtered out quickly in this field.
Focus on industries with high sponsorship history
Consumer packaged goods companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical device firms sponsor OPT and H-1B visa workers regularly. Research company size and hiring patterns before applying to prioritize employers likely to support future visa sponsorship.
Highlight compliance and regulatory knowledge
Packaging engineers in pharma and medical devices work within FDA and ISO regulatory frameworks. Calling out familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11, ISTA testing standards, or GMP environments signals specialized value that justifies the OPT hiring process for employers.
Address OPT timing proactively in applications
Packaging engineering roles often involve multi-month product launch cycles. Reassure employers early that your OPT timeline accommodates a full project contribution, and clarify your STEM extension eligibility to remove uncertainty about authorization duration.
Build your portfolio around measurable outcomes
Packaging engineers are evaluated on cost reduction, material waste, line efficiency, and product protection results. Quantify your contributions from internships or capstone projects, as concrete numbers make OPT candidates significantly more competitive against domestic applicants.
Packaging Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Packaging Engineer on OPT?
Yes, packaging engineering is a qualifying field for OPT work authorization as long as the role is directly related to your degree in packaging science, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline. Most full-time packaging engineer positions at manufacturers, CPG companies, and contract packagers meet this standard. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Does a Packaging Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in packaging science, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering are frequently STEM-designated and support the extension. Your Designated School Official can confirm whether your program qualifies. If it does, you can work for up to three years on OPT total, which makes you a significantly more attractive hire for employers evaluating long-term sponsorship options.
What types of employers hire Packaging Engineers on OPT?
The broadest opportunities are in consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, medical device companies, food and beverage producers, and contract packaging firms. Large CPG companies like those in personal care, household products, and food processing hire packaging engineers regularly and have established immigration compliance processes. Migrate Mate is a good starting point for finding packaging engineer roles at employers who actively consider OPT candidates.
What does a Packaging Engineer actually do day-to-day?
Packaging engineers design, test, and optimize packaging systems for physical protection, regulatory compliance, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability goals. Day-to-day work typically involves materials selection, prototype development, ISTA or ASTM performance testing, supplier coordination, and cross-functional collaboration with product development and operations teams. In regulated industries like pharma and medical devices, engineers also maintain documentation for FDA submissions and ensure packaging meets GMP and ISO standards.
Do Packaging Engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary significantly by employer size and industry. Large pharmaceutical companies, major CPG brands, and medical device manufacturers tend to have more established sponsorship processes and HR infrastructure to support H-1B petitions. Smaller contract packagers or regional manufacturers may be less familiar with the process. Starting your OPT in a role at a large employer with documented sponsorship history gives you the best odds of transitioning from OPT to H-1B when your authorization period ends.