Packaging Lab Lead

Kenvue•Summit, NJ

7d•$72,675 - $102,600•Onsite

About The Position

Kenvue is seeking a Packaging Lab Lead to guide packaging laboratory analysts and support agile, consumer-focused testing and continuous improvement. The role applies rigorous scientific practices through risk assessments, hands-on testing, investigations, and team training to improve consumer value delivery. It collaborates with packaging engineering and other Kenvue partners to develop robust test plans and packaging solutions that meet customer needs and comply with applicable standards and regulations. The lead coordinates weekly test planning, monitors laboratory KPIs to prevent test backlogs, evaluates packaging performance under various conditions, interprets results, and recommends improvements. The role also supports product and technology development, design verification, test-method development, defect investigations, root-cause analysis, and equipment calibration and maintenance. Additional work includes drafting technical reports, work instructions, validation documents, and analyst onboarding materials, as well as training and coaching lab analysts. The position is fully onsite in Summit, New Jersey, and reports to the Associate Director, Global Packaging Labs (also identified as Assoc Director Global Package Testing).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
At least 4 years of experience in packaging testing or a related role.
Experience leading and supervising a team.
Experience in product testing and design verification.
Experience managing the function of a laboratory in a GxP environment.
Experience owning tasks and driving them to completion in partnership with team members.

Nice To Haves

Proactive approach to leading continuous improvement.
Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations for packaging materials and products.
Ability to conduct basic scientific research on new products and technology concepts.

Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly test planning with the laboratory team.
Monitor laboratory KPIs, maintain zero test backlog, and identify improvement opportunities with the team.
Support the creation of robust test plans with the laboratory team and packaging engineering, capturing risks with technical rigor and simplifying work for packaging materials and products in accordance with industry standards and regulations.
Evaluate packaging performance under conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pressure.
Analyze and interpret test results, identify potential issues, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement packaging solutions that meet customer needs and specifications.
Stay current with industry trends and packaging technology advancements to improve testing methods and processes.
Maintain accurate records of testing procedures and results.
Assist in developing new products and technologies.
Conduct hands-on testing for design verification and test-method development.
Draft technical reports, work instructions, and method and process validations.
Lead and support defect investigations and root-cause analysis with the laboratory team.
Manage and schedule equipment calibrations and maintenance.
Draft onboarding training materials for laboratory analysts.
Train and coach laboratory analysts.
Test prototypes, tools, and fixtures after fabrication to ensure they meet specifications.
Collaborate with manufacturing and production engineering groups to provide engineering and design services.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.