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Job Description Principal Engineer, Packaging Automation Location: Round Lake, IL At Takeda, we are driven by our purpose: better health for people, brighter future for the world. As a
Principal Engineer, Packaging Automation, you'll be the site's subject matter expert for packaging automation and serialization systems, ensuring medicines reach patients safely and compliantly across the globe. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-visibility projects, troubleshoot complex automation challenges, and shape the future of serialization technology at our Round Lake site.
What You'll Do- Own critical serialization and vision inspection systems (Systech or similar platforms) across filling and packaging lines to keep operations reliable, compliant, and cost-effective.
- Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving with Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement.
- Manage system infrastructure including databases, IT network design, and user access controls.
- Serve as engineering lead on medium to large capital projects, representing automation in cross-functional teams.
- Develop automation strategies and documentation (designs, drawings, specifications, procurement packages).
- Lead change management & validation for serialization/vision systems, ensuring compliance with FDA and cGMP standards.
- Coach and mentor others - supervise contractors, support junior engineers, and deliver training for maintenance and operations teams.
- Continuously innovate - analyze data, identify opportunities, and implement system upgrades that enhance performance and reliability.
What You Bring- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related).
- 6+ years of experience with automation systems in an FDA-regulated environment.
- Hands-on experience with serialization, track & trace, or vision inspection systems (Systech preferred, other platforms welcome).
- Background in control systems within GMP manufacturing (pharma, biotech, or food highly relevant).
- Ability to troubleshoot complex systems, lead root cause analysis, and implement CAPAs.
- Strong knowledge of PLCs, industrial controllers, instrumentation, and network design.
- Experience with tools like BarTender or artwork/label management systems is a plus.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills to engage with cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Willingness to support occasional after-hours troubleshooting (rotating schedule).
Why Join Us- Impact that matters: your work ensures every packaged medicine is safe, compliant, and traceable-reaching patients worldwide.
- Cutting-edge technology: be the SME for serialization and packaging automation at a global biopharmaceutical leader.
- Visibility and growth: lead high-profile projects, mentor others, and expand your expertise across automation, IT, and packaging.
- Collaborative culture: join a cross-functional team where your ideas drive real-world improvements.
Other Job Requirements- Occasional cleanroom work and use of PPE.
- Ability to climb ladders/stairs and handle moderate physical activity.
- Exposure to standard chemicals with appropriate safety protections.
- Willingness to participate in a rotating support schedule that may include evenings, weekends, or extended hours to ensure continuity of operations.
At Takeda, you'll be part of a purpose-led organization that values innovation, collaboration, and your career growth. If you're ready to take ownership of critical automation systems and make a global impact, we'd love to hear from you. About our Round Lake Facility: Takeda's manufacturing facility in Round Lake, Illinois, is an integral part of Takeda's Plasma Network. Close in proximity to both Chicago and Milwaukee, the state-of-the-art facility specializes in producing Flexbumin through the GALAXY manufacturing process. Flexbumin is albumin, contained in a flexible pouch, for patients who experience a loss of plasma volume from situations such as trauma, surgery, blood loss and burns. Round Lake supplies its product to patients all over the world, with key markets in the U.S., China, and India.
Join us to make a difference.
What Takeda can offer you:- Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan
- Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings
- Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days
- Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions
- Family Planning Support
- Flexible Work Paths
- Tuition reimbursement
More about us: At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.
Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:USA - IL - Round Lake - Drug Delivery
U.S. Base Salary Range: $111,800.00 - $175,670.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained , certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. based e mployee s may be eligible for s hort - t erm and/ or l ong- t erm incentive s . U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
EEO Statement Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
LocationsUSA - IL - Round Lake - Drug Delivery
Worker TypeEmployee
Worker Sub-TypeRegular
Time TypeFull time
Job ExemptYes
