Senior Principal Packaging Engineer

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise. 

Why This Role?

As a Senior Principal Packaging Engineer at AstraZeneca, you will serve as the technical leader and subject matter expert in the development, optimization, and qualification of innovative packaging solutions for the company’s pharmaceutical products. Working cross-functionally across R&D, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams, you will ensure packaging solutions support the safe, effective, and compliant delivery of medicines worldwide.

Your role will drive new technology adoption, support compliance with global regulatory requirements, and enhance sustainability and cost-effectiveness, aligning with AstraZeneca’s ambitious growth and environmental goals.

The job holder will provide both strategic and operational leadership to a team of individuals either directly or matrixed who provide expert technical support to development and commercial products.

The job holder will:

• Provide strategic technical leadership for complex packaging initiatives, guiding multi-disciplinary project teams from early concept through commercial deployment

• Lead efforts in packaging design for both novel pipeline candidates and life cycle management of existing products, including combination products, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing, logistics, and patient needs.

• Identify emerging trends in packaging science and technology, influencing internal and external standards, and advising senior leadership on risk, strategy, and regulatory considerations

• Establish best practices for packaging design, qualification, validation, and documentation within AstraZeneca.

• Develops the strategy for the delivery of the platform technology, agreeing and taking accountability for the technical strategy for the products or platform within their area of responsibility

• Represent the company in industry forums and regulatory interactions on topics related to packaging.

• Be part of advocacy groups to maintain up to date knowledge in the changing legislation in the EU, UK and US mainly.

• Drives AZ ambition Zero Carbon strategy related to packaging.

• Leads the development and implementation of new practises that enable the group to achieve flexibility, efficiency and delivery.

• Skilled in Lean and Operational Excellence .  Ensures Lean principles are embedded in ways of working.

• Sustains a high quality and innovative function, which aims to continuously improve in competence, scientific excellence and innovation.

• Ensures SHE and cGMP systems are in place ensuring that all work is carried out with regards to AZ and external regulatory policies and standards.

• Build effective networks across the Global Operations organization

• Actively uses Risk Management to assess situations and properly escalates opportunities to ensure that decisions are made at the right level of the organization.

• Have interpersonal skills that influence and shape the image of the packaging organisation and department.

• Be an excellent communicator with stakeholders, build a strong network across the business and set clear direction and objectives aligned to business goals.

Typical Accountabilities

• Conduct activities and interactions consistent with Company values and in compliance with the Code of Ethics and supporting Policies and Standards relevant to your role. Complete all required training on the AZ Code of Ethics and supporting Policies and Standards on time. Report potential issues of non-compliance.

• Ensure and monitor compliance by team members and third parties by (a) positively reinforcing the Code of Ethics and all relevant AstraZeneca Policies and Standards, (b) ensuring completion of all required training, (c) fostering a culture of openness in which employees are comfortable raising questions or concerns, and (d) immediately addressing and reporting, as appropriate, instances of non-compliance.

• Manager Accountabilities at AstraZeneca include Ethical Conduct and Compliance, Team Management, Performance Management, Individual Development Planning, Talent Management, Recruitment, People information, SHE accountabilities, and Fiscal and Financial awareness.

• Leaders with accountability for GXP areas are expected to understand the legal and regulatory requirements of their roles in providing appropriate resources (which could be human, financial, material, facilities, and equipment) to maintain the Quality system and continually improve its effectiveness.

All these activities will have a significant impact on the overall success of Operations as well as ensuring the commercial viability of current products. The Sr. Principal Packaging Engineer is expected to provide an impact to the business beyond current function.  The activities of the group help to ensure the availability of all AstraZeneca products to the commercial organization.  The role, therefore, has a significant impact on both financial and reputational aspects of the business.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Have an excellent understanding of the overall drug development and commercialization process from development, launch and through life cycle management

• Advanced level degree in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, together with extensive experience (usually 15+ years) in pharmaceutical or medical device packaging

• Have a thorough understanding of principles, applications and management of SHE and cGMP.

• Experience in Operations and/or R&D with a track record of successful project leadership and delivery within a matrix organization.

• Evidence of excellent communication skills and build excellent relationships with customers and stakeholders.

• Excellent track record of delivering high-impact packaging solutions for regulated industries and direct experience with GMP, regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA, EMA), and the relevant packaging standards (ISO, ASTM, USP).

• Direct experience with environmental sustainability initiatives, digital packaging technologies, and end-to-end product lifecycle management is strongly preferred

Desirable

• Experience in or exposure to multiple disciplines in CMC and related functions (eg Product Development, Operations, Global Supply, Marketing Companies)

• Strong business acumen and supply chain knowledge.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, technology is at the heart of delivering medicines quickly, affordably, and sustainably. Our commitment to innovation means creating smart factories and embracing change to improve processes for better patient outcomes. With a diverse workforce united by curiosity, we share learnings rapidly to make a bigger impact on society and the planet. Experience the support and investment from our leaders as we accelerate our digital journey.

Ready to lead the charge in digital transformation? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

29-Jul-2025

Closing Date

11-Aug-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.