Principal Product Development Engineer

Job Description

The Principal Product Development Engineer is a senior technical leader within the organization, responsible for driving the design, development, and optimization of novel confectionary-based OTC drug and supplement products. This role emphasizes scientific methodology, innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring of junior team members (if any).

• Explore and evaluate new ingredients and technologies to develop unique product offerings.
• Translate consumer needs and market insights into commercially viable formulations.
• Prepare and test product prototypes; analyze physical, sensory attributes including texture, moisture, pH, and color.
• Expertise in Formulation Research and Introduction of New Manufacturing techniques with automations.
• Capable to handle multiple dosage form-based projects and deliver quality product from scratch to successful commercialization.
• To participate for design proposal, fitment check with packaging operation and evaluation of packaging for finished products
• Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to assess critical material attributes and Critical process parameters.
• Capture, analyze, and present data with clear technical observations, conclusion, recommendations and way forward.
• Work closely with quality, procurement, supply chain, operations, and manufacturing to troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth product introduction or improvement.
• Build strategic partnerships with internal teams and external industry experts and suppliers.
• Maintain and organize the product development lab, including equipment, materials and supplies.
• Coordinate large No of R&D projects and ensure proper storage and documentation of samples and ingredients.
• Literature search, Formulation development strategy preparation, Planning of prototype/Scale up/Commercial scale batches, all required document preparation, prepare product development reports, and contribute to organizational knowledge through presentations and written summaries.
• To deliver with knowledge of development guidelines, regulatory requirements, customer expectations in order to fast track development and commercialization of the products.
• Responsible to mentor junior scientists and peers on formulation best practices and product knowledge.
• Recommend optimal paths forward, resolve technical challenges, and ensure alignment across multiple teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering, food science, chemistry, or related scientific field.
• ≈10+ years’ experience in product development engineering or a related scientific/technical role.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, data compilation, mathematical modeling, and related analytical methods.
• Deep knowledge of confectionary manufacturing, ingredients selections, OTC and dietary manufacturing and ICH/21 CFR /DSHEA/cGMP/GLP principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in food science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• Experience with food / dietary supplement or OTC Monograph product formulation and it’s commercialization.