Packaging Engineer III

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

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We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
 

The Packaging Engineer III is a mid‑level individual contributor within the Package Development organization, responsible for executing packaging development activities that support product development and clinical study supplies across oral solid dose (OSD), biologics, and drug‑device combination products. 

This role applies established pharmaceutical packaging principles to develop, qualify, and support primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems, working cross‑functionally with Product Development, Clinical Supply, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, External Manufacturing (CMOs), and suppliers. The Packaging Engineer III operates with increasing independence, executes assigned deliverables, provides technical input and escalates complex issues as appropriate. 

The job is on-site,  located at Gilead headquarters in Foster City, California. 

Key Responsibilities

• Execute packaging development activities supporting product development and clinical study supplies across OSD, biologics, and combination products.

• Apply pharmaceutical packaging principles to support the development, characterization, and qualification of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems, including container closure and distribution packaging.

• Support packaging activities through regulatory submission, ensuring documentation and data meet internal quality standards and global regulatory expectations.

• Perform component characterization and qualification for packaging materials and components, including bottles, blisters, sachets, cartons, labels, and shipping systems.

• Execute and document shipping qualification activities supporting development and regulatory filings, including biologics shipping data, bulk and britestock shipments, finished goods distribution for OSD products, parenteral products, and combination products.

• Support execution and documentation of packaging equipment and process qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) in collaboration with internal manufacturing teams and CMOs.

• Provide technical support to packaging and clinical supply operations, including participation in deviation investigations, change controls, and issue resolution.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams, CMOs, suppliers, and contract test laboratories to support packaging deliverables.

• Author and review technical documentation, including protocols, reports, and regulatory‑supporting content, using established templates and procedures.

• Ensure assigned work is completed on time and in compliance with cGMP, GDP, and applicable regulatory and quality system requirements.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing, onboarding, and continuous improvement efforts within the packaging development organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging development, including container-closure systems and distribution packaging.

• Experience supporting OSD packaging systems, such as bottles and blisters, including moisture‑ and light‑sensitive products.

• Working familiarity with packaging requirements for biologics and drug‑device combination products, including container closure integrity and product protection considerations.

• Ability to execute component characterization, qualification, and packaging studies, including shipping and distribution qualifications.

• Understanding of cGMP principles and global regulatory expectations applicable to pharmaceutical packaging.

• Familiarity with applicable industry standards and test methods (e.g., USP, ISO, ASTM).

• Ability to author and review technical documentation using established templates and guidance.

• Effective collaboration skills for working in cross‑functional and matrixed environments, including interaction with CMOs, suppliers, and contract test laboratories.

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project timelines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and sound engineering judgment.

• Overnight travel may be required up to 20% of the time.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related scientific field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

• Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related scientific field and a minimum of years of relevant industry experience.

• Advanced degree(s) with commensurate industry experience will be considered.

• Prior experience in a cGMP‑regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry is highly desirable.

 

The salary range for this position is: $117,895.00 - $152,570.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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