Description

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Packaging Engineer

Department: Innovation Technology 

Reports To: R&D Lab Manager -Product Compliance Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel: 5-10%

Job Summary

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 is based in our R&D Laboratory in Belcamp, MD.

Led by the R&D Lab Manager, the R&D Packaging Engineer will support New Product Development (NPD) through testing, documentation, and analysis as well as managing Lab facility and equipment. The R&D Packaging Engineer will often collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations during the NPD process. Focus areas for product innovation by this cross-functional team include packaging design, sustainability, rapid prototyping, advanced insulating materials and manufacturing processes, and phase change materials. A successful candidate will need excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills, as well as a strong engineering foundation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Operation and Upkeep of the Thermal Testing Lab

· 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.

· Assist the 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.

Documentation support

· Collect and analyze test data, organize and present results in established formats; provide input on analysis and presentation methods.

· Prepare test protocols and experimental and qualification reports.

· Coordinate with Quality to ensure timely creation, review, approval, and delivery of test protocols and final reports.

Support New Product Development (NPD) and process improvement

· Execute experiments supporting cross-functional NPD and product improvement projects in laboratory and production settings; Provide feedback to improve experimental design and testing processes.

· Contribute to continuous improvement in all innovation and testing process areas.

· Support project prioritization through awareness of resource and equipment availability.

· Respond to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles with transparency and a positive focus on both short- and long-term solutions.

· Other duties as assigned.

Core Values

Our core values define how we work and what we expect from every associate. The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate these values in performing the responsibilities of this role. Each core value represents essential behaviors and competencies aligned with the duties and qualifications of the position.

• Accountability We take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring transparency and trust with our stakeholders, customers, associates, and the environment. Competencies: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Resilience, Time Management/Prioritization and Learning Agility
• Innovation We champion creativity and collaboration, continually striving to deliver groundbreaking solutions that transform our industry and exceed expectations. Competencies: Creativity & Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, Vision & Strategic Thinking, and Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in every decision and action, fostering trust at all levels in our organization. Competencies: Honesty, Consistency & Dependability and Commitment to Excellence
• Adaptability We embrace change agility and resilience, staying flexible and proactive in a constantly evolving world. Competencies: Communication, Results Oriented and Flexibility
• Caring We prioritize the well-being of our people, communities, and business partners, recognizing that their success and happiness are vital to our own. Competencies: Organizational Savvy, Risk Management, Compliance, Diversity, and Empathy
• Passion We are driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, demonstrating determination to succeed while maintaining humility and respect for others. Competencies: Commitment, Persistence & Tenacity, Humility and Respect

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education Requirement

Bachelor's Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline preferred.

· ISTA's CTP I certification within the first 6-months

 Technical Knowledge & Experience

· Experience working in a laboratory, production, or operations environment preferred

· CAD/CAM experience preferred, particularly SolidWorks

· Experience operating and maintaining CNC equipment preferred

· Prior cold chain or R&D laboratory experience preferred

· Manufacturing experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

· Prepare and execute test protocols in collaboration with QA, Project Management, Engineering, and Sales/Marketing

· Learn, operate, and maintain equipment safely and professionally

· 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.

· Model and maintain a high standard of initiative and a focus on timeliness.

· 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.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient with Microsoft Office -- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is typical of most office environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate level.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to a particular position. This document in no way states or implies that this is as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from, any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.

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