R&D Packaging Engineer

Altor Solutions•Belcamp, MD

About The Position

The Research & Development Packaging Engineer role 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 will support New Product Development (NPD) through testing, documentation, and analysis as well as managing Lab facility and equipment and select support personnel. The R&D Packaging Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations during the NPD process. A successful candidate will need excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills, as well as a strong engineering foundation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline preferred.
Fundamental understanding of thermodynamic and heat transfer principles will be preferred.
Skill in using thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter or ANSYS will be a significant asset
Prior experience in a laboratory or production/operations environment
Well-Versed in MS programs: Office, Excel, PowerPoint.
CAD and CAM Experience, particularly SolidWorks a big plus.
Experience running and maintaining CNC equipment also 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 R&D testing laboratory preferred
Manufacturing experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

ISTA’s CTP I certification within the first 6-months nice to have

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 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 established formats. 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 both laboratory and production settings and provide feedback to experimental design.
Contribute to continuous improvement in all innovation and testing process areas as possible.
Support project prioritization by having excellent awareness of resource and equipment utilization and providing feedback on availability.
Model and maintain a high standard of initiative and a focus on timeliness.
Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats, with the ability to adapt communication style based on audience and situational needs. Communicate well both in person and with remote teammates.
Can be counted on to execute specified tasks in the determined timeframe. Must be self-motivated and able to prioritize and multi-task.
Maintain the highest standard of professionalism at all times, with awareness of social, ethical and organizational norms, codes of conduct, and ethical principles. Act in line with Altor corporate values.
Requires regular attendance to perform all essential tasks.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature controlled packaging systems. This includes using existing models as well as developing conceptual models and running multiple thermal simulations to develop optimal 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.