About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading research-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered therapies tackling some of the world's most pressing health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, liver diseases, inflammation, and serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Headquartered in the U.S. with a global footprint, Gilead's Cork, Ireland site plays a pivotal role in manufacturing and packaging innovative medicines that reach patients worldwide. Our mission drives relentless innovation, ensuring access to life-changing treatments while fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture where every team member contributes to bold ambitions.

Role Overview

The Packaging Engineer III position at Gilead Sciences in Cork, Ireland, is a full-time opportunity reporting to the Senior Manager for Packaging Engineering. This critical role involves designing and implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for an expanding product portfolio, from traditional vial and bottle formats to complex medical device combination products. As Gilead's therapies in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases grow, you'll lead packaging strategies to meet current and future site needs, ensuring compliance, sustainability, and innovation in a GMP-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this position, you'll play a key role in delivering new products to the Cork site. Responsibilities include collaborating with on-site and off-site stakeholders on global initiatives, leading packaging projects in line with site PMO guidelines, and developing sustainable packaging solutions aligned with Gilead's environmental commitments. You'll execute transportation, ageing, and other external studies, support brand protection technologies, and advance the site's serialization and aggregation programs to comply with EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) requirements. Additionally, you'll analyze processes for continuous improvements, support investigations, and coordinate with suppliers and test facilities.

Project Leadership

Lead cross-functional packaging projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to regulatory standards.

Sustainability Focus

Drive eco-friendly packaging innovations to support Gilead's sustainability goals.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure all packaging meets cGMP, FMD, and global standards for patient safety.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree in Engineering or a related field, with extensive experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industries. Proven project management experience is essential, with qualifications like PMP considered a strong advantage. Familiarity with GMP environments, Falsified Medicines Directives, primary/secondary packaging processes, transportation studies, and serialization/aggregation is highly desirable. Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are required, along with a resilient profile for ambiguous environments, learning agility, and a process-oriented mindset. Gilead values behaviors aligned with our core principles: Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, and Inclusion.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your professional and personal life. Enjoy competitive compensation estimated at €90,000–€150,000 annually, health insurance, pension contributions, and generous paid time off. Our Cork campus provides modern facilities, on-site amenities, and flexible working options. As part of a global leader, you'll access professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking therapies in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career progression is a priority. As a Packaging Engineer III, you'll have pathways to senior engineering roles, management positions, or cross-functional leadership in global projects. Our people leaders drive an inclusive culture, offering mentorship, training, and exposure to innovative technologies like serialization and sustainable packaging. With Gilead's expanding portfolio, your expertise will directly impact patient outcomes and site operations, positioning you for long-term success in biopharma.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a team that's transforming lives through scientific innovation. In Cork, Ireland, you'll work on therapies addressing HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases, collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a supportive environment. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity ensures a workplace where everyone thrives. Experience operational excellence, global impact, and a culture of inclusion that empowers you to make a difference every day.

Role FAQs

Q: What experience level is required?
A: Extensive pharmaceutical/biotech experience, with project management expertise essential.

Q: Is relocation support available?
A: Gilead supports talented candidates; inquire during application for specifics.

Q: How does this role contribute to Gilead's mission?
A: By ensuring safe, sustainable packaging for life-saving therapies in HIV, oncology, and beyond.

Q: What are the core values?
A: Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, and Inclusion.

Q: Is this a hybrid role?
A: Primarily on-site in Cork to support manufacturing operations, with flexibility discussed.