This role is intended for an individual with an understanding of drug delivery systems, familiarity with design control principles, and the ability to apply structured, strategic thinking to technology assessment, opportunity evaluation, and future delivery system definition in support of AbbVie’s therapeutic pipeline.
Overview of Position
The Device Technology Horizon Engineer will play a key role in evaluating delivery system and device solutions that support AbbVie’s therapeutic pipeline and contribute to improved patient outcomes. This role sits at the intersection of early needs assessment, technology evaluation, and strategic decision support, helping translate evolving therapeutic, clinical, and business needs into clear delivery system strategies and recommendations.
Within the Device and Combination Product Development (DCPD) department and Landscaping & Platform Definition (L&PD) group, this individual will work cross-functionally with CMC, Asset Teams, Commercial, and external partners to identify and assess future delivery system opportunities for pipeline assets in early development. The role includes evaluating emerging technologies, supporting feasibility planning, and helping determine which solutions offer the strongest technical, strategic, and platform potential across AbbVie’s portfolio.
The successful candidate will bring strong critical thinking, a structured approach to complex problem solving, and the ability to operate effectively in evolving and ambiguous environments. They will be organized, adaptable, and capable of translating complex technical and strategic considerations into clear recommendations that align cross-functional stakeholders and support informed decision-making.
Key responsibilities include
Identify patient, clinical, and business needs and translate them into delivery system requirements and strategic considerations
Partner with Product Development Directors, Asset Teams, Commercial teams, and external collaborators to define future delivery system needs for early-stage pipeline assets
Evaluate a broad range of delivery system technologies and maintain awareness of external technology trends, manufacturers, and emerging capabilities
Develop and assess technology landscapes to identify and prioritize candidate delivery system solutions
Compare candidate technologies based on technical feasibility, strategic fit, scalability, and potential portfolio value
Support down-selection activities to identify the most promising technologies for further feasibility and development efforts
Define feasibility assessment needs, including evaluation of critical performance attributes and development risks
Support request for proposal (RFP) development, feasibility planning, budget estimation, and engagement with external partners
Contribute to development timelines, feasibility strategies, and early-stage planning activities
Support progression decisions related to feasibility and future development pathways
Conduct applied research and strategic landscape assessments to inform delivery system direction and platform strategy
Evaluate opportunities for technologies to serve multiple AbbVie assets as scalable platform solutions
Distill complex or evolving information into concise recommendations, strategic insights, and actionable next steps
Apply structured frameworks and practical decision-making approaches to align stakeholders around priorities, opportunities, and tradeoffs
Communicate effectively across technical, strategic, and commercial functions to drive clarity and alignment
Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities, timelines, and inputs
This position can also be based out of our South San Francisco, Irvine and Germany Locations *
Qualifications
BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical, Biomedical or related engineering discipline.
Strong working knowledge of design control and combination product and device development
12 years (with BS), 8 years (with MS or MBA) experience in product development experience with a minimum of 3-8 years in medical devices and drug delivery. This experience should ideally span feasibility, design, development, verification and validation
Experience with delivery system platforms is a plus
Excellent written and spoken communications skills
Ability to work with a variety of disciplines and teams in fast-paced environments
Ability to influence and negotiate internally and externally as a part of global team
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Working knowledge with medical devices and medical device regulations and standards is preferred
Travel will be required, as necessary (10%-20%)
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of thisposting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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