Manufacturing Packaging Technician

Avantor•Phillipsburg, NJ

3d•$62,500 - $100,625

About The Position

The Manufacturing Packaging Technician is a packaging subject matter resource who applies specialized expertise in packaging systems, materials, transportation testing, and compliance to support packaging performance, qualification, and continuous improvement across regulated and non-regulated product portfolios. The role independently evaluates packaging systems, investigates technical and quality issues, assesses risk, and recommends solutions that support packaging-related business decisions. Working across Packaging Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Product Management, Operations, and external suppliers, the technician manages packaging qualification and validation activities, investigates packaging failures, evaluates materials and suppliers, and supports new product introductions and packaging lifecycle management. The role provides technical leadership and data-driven recommendations while balancing quality, regulatory, customer, operational, sustainability, and cost considerations. The position includes packaging investigations and corrective actions; package qualification, validation, and technical assessment; transportation and distribution testing; supplier and material evaluation; compatibility and performance studies; packaging data analysis; optimization and continuous improvement; cross-functional technical leadership; and compliance documentation. Work takes place in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse environments, with occasional travel to supplier, testing, manufacturing, or customer sites potentially required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in packaging engineering, packaging technology, manufacturing support, product qualification, quality engineering, transportation testing, or a related technical discipline.
Experience independently managing packaging qualification, testing, validation, or investigation activities.
Experience analyzing technical data and providing recommendations that influence operational or business decisions.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with suppliers, quality, and operations teams.
Advanced knowledge of packaging materials, packaging systems, package compatibility principles, and packaging performance requirements across regulated and non-regulated applications.
Advanced knowledge of transportation testing methodologies and standards, including ISTA, ASTM, UN/DOT, IATA, and related package qualification requirements.
Working knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, DOT, IATA, IMDG, and other applicable regulatory and quality requirements for packaging and distribution.
Understanding of BOM structures, packaging specifications, change control processes, material management practices, materials science, package design, risk assessment, performance evaluation, lifecycle management, supplier qualification, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical troubleshooting skills.
Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, Qlik Sense, and related business systems.
Effective technical writing, data analysis, reporting, presentation, and project coordination skills.
Strong organization and ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to assess technical and business risks and make sound recommendations based on data, test results, and operational requirements.
Project leadership and stakeholder management skills, including ability to influence decisions without direct authority.
Ability to balance quality, compliance, customer requirements, operational needs, sustainability objectives, and cost considerations.
Ability to investigate packaging issues, determine root causes, develop corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions.
Ability to independently assess packaging risks, evaluate alternatives, and determine technically appropriate solutions using professional judgment.
Ability to collaborate across functions and with suppliers, support product launches, and drive continuous improvement.
Ability to interpret technical specifications, procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements and apply them to complex packaging situations.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders and maintain accurate, organized documentation.
Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety, quality, regulatory, and data integrity standards.
Ability to lead packaging investigations, testing activities, and qualification efforts while providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams.
Ability to execute and evaluate detailed test protocols, work instructions, validation activities, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to safely operate laboratory and packaging testing equipment in accordance with procedures and safety requirements.
Ability to support decisions that improve packaging performance, reduce risk, enhance compliance, and contribute to operational and business objectives.
Ability to lift and maneuver materials up to 50 pounds and perform standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or specialized packaging certifications.
Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments.
ISTA Certified Packaging Professional.
Certified Packaging Professional (IoPP).
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
Hazardous Materials/DOT Certification.
Quality-related certifications applicable to manufacturing or packaging operations.

Responsibilities

Lead technical investigations involving packaging-related customer complaints, quality events, nonconformances, and CAPAs; identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Analyze recurring packaging issues and trends to identify systemic risks and improvement opportunities.
Provide technical recommendations to Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other stakeholders regarding packaging concerns.
Plan, execute, and document packaging qualification and validation activities independently.
Evaluate packaging materials, components, and systems against performance, regulatory, and customer requirements; analyze qualification data and recommend suitability, risk mitigation, and implementation decisions.
Support packaging strategy for new products, packaging changes, and lifecycle management, including assessment of material, supplier, and design changes.
Lead transportation and distribution qualification programs, develop testing approaches, execute performance testing, interpret results, and recommend design improvements.
Author technical reports and qualification summaries supporting business and regulatory decisions; maintain technical ownership of testing programs, laboratory processes, equipment performance, and calibration compliance.
Evaluate packaging materials and supplier capabilities for sourcing, qualification, continuity, and organizational initiatives.
Provide technical guidance on packaging specifications, performance requirements, and material selection; collaborate with suppliers to investigate issues and implement improvements.
Assess supplier-proposed changes for effects on packaging performance, compliance, quality, and customer requirements.
Manage packaging compatibility and material performance studies, evaluate results for packaging-product interaction risks, and maintain study documentation and data integrity.
Use SAP, Qlik Sense, and related systems to analyze packaging performance, supplier trends, lifecycle risks, material demand, and cost drivers; maintain packaging system data and documentation accuracy.
Develop reports, metrics, and technical assessments to support packaging and supply chain decisions.
Identify and lead packaging improvement initiatives involving performance, sustainability, cost reduction, material standardization, and supply continuity.
Evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry practices; recommend and implement solutions that improve package integrity, customer experience, manufacturing efficiency, and business performance.
Contribute technical expertise to cross-functional process improvement, product launch, packaging innovation, product commercialization, and business growth initiatives.
Present technical findings, recommendations, and risk assessments; consult on packaging requirements, transportation challenges, supplier issues, and qualification strategies.
Interpret and apply applicable packaging regulations, standards, and quality requirements; ensure programs and documentation comply with internal quality systems and external requirements.
Author and maintain protocols, reports, specifications, qualification summaries, risk assessments, and testing records; support audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions.
Operate laboratory and packaging testing equipment safely and perform packaging evaluations, testing, inspections, and technical assessments.
Comply with required PPE, safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs
Health savings account
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan with company match
Employee stock purchase program
11 paid holidays
18 PTO days accrued annually
Volunteer time off
6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave, except in states that offer paid family leave
Learning experiences to support career growth and success