R&D Packaging Engineer

Lifoam Industries•Belcamp, MD

11h•$64,000 - $76,000

About The Position

The R&D Packaging Engineer creates, prototypes, refines, and tests packaging designs for thermally protective (cold chain) distribution products and packaging for standard distribution, retail, food service, and healthcare customers. The role supports New Product Development through testing, documentation, and analysis, and manages laboratory facilities and equipment and select support personnel. The engineer collaborates with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and Operations during the NPD process. The position performs thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems, using existing models and developing conceptual models and simulations to optimize packaging systems. It also executes experiments supporting new product development and existing-product improvement in laboratory and production settings, analyzes and presents data, and prepares test protocols and reports. The role contributes to laboratory quality, safety, equipment upkeep, process improvement, and project prioritization through awareness of resource and equipment availability. The role requires a strong engineering foundation, effective communication and teamwork, initiative, sound organization and prioritization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks. The work environment is typical of an office, with low to moderate noise. Travel is 5–10%. The stated salary range is $64,000–$76,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Package Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
Prior experience in a laboratory or production/operations environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to troubleshoot engineered designs and recommend 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.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, work independently, and complete assigned work within determined timeframes.
Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the job, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Fundamental understanding of thermodynamics and heat-transfer principles.
Experience using thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter, or ANSYS.
ISTA CTP I certification within the first six months.
CAD and CAM experience, particularly SolidWorks.
Experience operating 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 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 develop 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.
Stay 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, experimental reports, and qualification reports.
Coordinate with Quality on timely creation, review, approval, and delivery of test plans and results documentation.
Conduct experiments for cross-functional NPD and existing-product improvement projects in laboratory and production settings, and provide feedback on experimental design.
Contribute to continuous improvement across innovation and testing processes.
Support project prioritization by monitoring resource and equipment utilization and providing availability feedback.
Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems, including developing conceptual models and running simulations to optimize packaging systems.
Respond transparently and constructively to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles, focusing on short- and long-term solutions.
Obtain management feedback on customer messaging related to quality and delivery issues.
Maintain effective work relationships and professional competence, and perform other duties as assigned.