R&D Packaging Engineer

Altor Solutions • Belcamp, MD

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About The Position

The R&D Packaging Engineer creates, prototypes, refines, and tests packaging designs for thermally protective (cold chain) distribution products and packaging used for standard distribution, retail, food service, and healthcare customers. The role supports New Product Development through testing, documentation, and analysis, and manages the laboratory facility, equipment, and select support personnel. The engineer collaborates with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, Quality, and project teams throughout development and testing activities.

The role also performs thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems, using existing models and developing conceptual models and simulations to identify optimal packaging systems. The position requires clear communication, collaboration, a strong engineering foundation, initiative, sound prioritization, and the ability to work in laboratory and production settings.

Requirements

• Prior experience in a laboratory or production/operations environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• 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, and Sales/Marketing.
• Ability to solve problems in varied field and laboratory settings.
• Ability to learn, operate, and maintain equipment safely and professionally.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Package Engineering or a related discipline.
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamic and heat-transfer principles.
• Experience with thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter, or ANSYS.
• ISTA CTP I certification within the first six months.
• CAD and CAM experience, particularly with SolidWorks.
• Experience running and maintaining CNC equipment.
• Prior cold-chain experience.
• Prior experience in an R&D testing laboratory.
• Manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing in accordance with relevant industry and quality standards, including standards such as ISTA, 21 CFR Part 11, and GMP/GLP.
• Program, operate, and maintain laboratory testing and fabrication equipment.
• Collaborate with testing personnel and project teams to create timelines for development and testing projects.
• Coordinate with Quality to maintain test-lab certifications and required equipment calibrations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized testing and working environment.
• Keep current with 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 experimental and qualification reports.
• Coordinate with Quality on the timely creation, review, approval, and delivery of test plans and results documentation.
• Conduct experiments for cross-functional new-product-development and existing-product-improvement projects in laboratory and production settings, and provide feedback on experimental design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in innovation and testing processes.
• Support project prioritization by tracking resource and equipment utilization and providing availability feedback.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, adapting communication to the audience and situation, including when working with remote teammates.
• Complete assigned tasks within determined timeframes; prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Maintain professionalism and act in accordance with ethical and organizational standards and Altor corporate values.
• Maintain regular attendance and effective work relationships within the department, Corporation, and community, while maintaining the competence needed to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems, including using existing models, developing conceptual models, and running simulations.
• Respond transparently and constructively to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles, seeking short- and long-term solutions.
• Obtain management feedback on customer messaging related to quality and delivery issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level