R&D Packaging Engineer

Exempt position with an annual salary range of $93,000 to $116,000. Travel requirement: 5-10%.

About the Role

The Research & Development Packaging Engineer is responsible for creating, prototyping, refining, and testing packaging designs for thermally protective (cold chain) distribution products as well as packaging used for standard distribution, retail, food service, and healthcare customers. This position supports New Product Development (NPD) through testing, documentation, and analysis, and manages the lab facility, equipment, and select support personnel. The role involves cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and Operations during the NPD process.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing consistent with relevant industry and quality standards (such as ISTA, 21CFR Part 11, GMP/GLP, etc.).
• Program, operate, and maintain laboratory testing and fabrication equipment.
• Collaborate with testing personnel and project teams to create project timelines for development and testing projects.
• Coordinate with the Quality team to maintain required certifications of the test lab and all required equipment calibrations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized testing and working environment.
• Remain current on relevant techniques and technology through research and training.
• Collect and analyze test data, organize and present it in established formats, and provide input on analysis and presentation methods.
• Prepare test protocols and both experimental and qualification reports.
• Coordinate with Quality for timely creation, review, and approval of high-quality test planning (Protocol creation) and results documentation (Final Report creation) and delivery.
• Execute experiments supporting both cross-functional NPD and existing product improvement projects in laboratory and production settings, and provide feedback to experimental design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in all innovation and testing process areas.
• Support project prioritization by maintaining awareness of resource and equipment utilization and providing feedback on availability.
• Model and maintain a high standard of initiative and focus on timeliness.
• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats, adapting communication style based on audience and situational needs.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems, including developing conceptual models and running multiple thermal simulations to optimize packaging systems.
• Respond to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles with transparency and a positive focus on both short- and long-term solutions.
• Obtain management feedback on customer messaging related to quality and delivery issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in packaging engineering or related roles, with a minimum of 4 years in a leadership capacity.
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamic and heat transfer principles preferred.
• Skill in using thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter, or ANSYS is a significant asset.
• ISTA’s CTP I certification within the first 6 months is a plus.
• Prior experience in a laboratory or production/operations environment.
• Proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint; CAD and CAM experience, particularly SolidWorks, is a plus.
• Experience running and maintaining CNC equipment is a plus.
• Ability to troubleshoot engineered designs and suggest changes based on data analysis.
• Ability to prepare and execute test protocols in collaboration with QA, Project Management, Engineering, Sales/Marketing.
• Ability to solve problems in a variety of field and laboratory settings.
• Ability to learn, operate, and maintain equipment in a safe and professional manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.
• Prior cold chain experience preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in an R&D testing laboratory preferred.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.

Skills

• Accountability: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Resilience, Time Management/Prioritization, and Learning Agility.
• Innovation: Creativity & Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, Vision & Strategic Thinking, and Collaboration & Teamwork.
• Integrity: Honesty, Consistency & Dependability, and Commitment to Excellence.
• Adaptability: Communication, Results Oriented, and Flexibility.
• Caring: Organizational Savvy, Risk Management, Compliance, Diversity, and Empathy.
• Passion: Commitment, Persistence & Tenacity, Humility, and Respect.

Physical Demands

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision.
• Frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand and walk.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The work environment is typical of most office environments. The noise level is usually low to moderate.