R&D Packaging Engineer
About The Position
The R&D Packaging Engineer creates, prototypes, refines, and tests packaging for thermally protective cold-chain distribution products and for standard distribution, retail, food service, and healthcare customers. The role supports new product development through testing, documentation, and analysis, and helps manage the laboratory facility, equipment, and select support personnel. The engineer works cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, and Quality during development and testing projects. The role plans and documents thermal and physical testing, operates and maintains laboratory testing and fabrication equipment, analyzes and presents test data, prepares protocols and reports, and performs thermal modeling and simulations of temperature-controlled packaging systems. It also supports product improvement and continuous improvement, coordinates lab certifications and equipment calibrations with Quality, and helps teams plan timelines and prioritize resources. The position requires effective communication, collaboration, initiative, and attention to safety, quality, and timely execution.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Package Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
- The posting lists a minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in FP&A or related roles and at least 4 years of leadership experience.
- 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.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
Nice To Haves
- 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, conduct, and document thermal and physical testing in accordance with relevant industry and quality standards, including standards such as ISTA, 21 CFR Part 11, GMP, and 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 results 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 protocols and final reports.
- Conduct experiments supporting 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 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, using existing models and developing conceptual models and simulations to optimize packaging systems.
- Respond transparently and constructively to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles, seeking short- and long-term solutions.
- Obtain management feedback on customer communications related to quality and delivery issues.
- Maintain effective working relationships and the professional competence, knowledge, and skills required for assigned responsibilities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
