Apply on Employer Site

Specialized Packaging Group · 1 month ago

Packaging Testing Lab Technician

Newark, CA, US

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$85K/yr - $100K/yr

2+ years exp

Specialized Packaging Group is seeking a Packaging Testing Lab Engineer responsible for planning, performing, and analyzing packaging performance tests. The role focuses on ensuring product protection, regulatory compliance, and supporting new product development, quality investigations, and packaging validation initiatives.

LogisticsPackaging ServicesWarehousing

Responsibilities

Conduct standardized tests including but not limited to:

Drop testing (Free Fall)

Vibration testing

Compression testing

Burst/ECT testing

Climate chamber conditioning

Conduct standardized packaging performance tests (e.g., ISTA, ASTM, ISO, TAPPI) including transit simulation, environmental conditioning, seal strength, burst/leak, and material characterization

Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as drop testers, vibration tables, compression testers, climate chambers, and data acquisition systems

Develop test protocols aligned with customer requirements, industry standards, and internal specifications

Detailed test reports generation based on test protocols

Analyze test data, prepare detailed reports, and communicate results to engineering, quality, and operations teams

Ensure safe laboratory practices and adherence to EHS standards

Ensure all testing follows applicable regulatory, industry, and customer standards

Support packaging validations for new product launches, packaging changes, and supplier qualifications

Participate in root-cause analysis for packaging failures looking to improve packaging systems

Maintain documentation, test records, and equipment calibration schedules in accordance with QA and audit requirements

Collaborate with packaging engineers, R&D, manufacturing, and supply-chain teams to optimize packaging design for performance, cost, and sustainability

Assist in material selection, packaging design reviews, and prototype evaluations

Provide technical support to resolve packaging issues occurring in production or distribution

Qualification

Packaging testing protocolsISTA certificationLaboratory equipment operationPackaging materialsProficiency with MS ExcelProblem-solving abilityCommunication skillsProject management

Required

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

2–3 years of experience in packaging testing, quality engineering, laboratory operations, or related fields (internship experience accepted)

Hands-on experience executing packaging testing protocols such as ISTA series (e.g., ISTA 1A/2A/3A/6A), ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM D4169, D642, D5276, D999), and other relevant industry methods

Experience operating packaging test equipment (drop, vibration, compression, climate chambers)

Knowledge of packaging materials (corrugated, flexible films, rigid plastics, foams, pallets)

Proficiency with testing equipment and laboratory instrumentation

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and performance requirements

Ability to read drawings, specifications, and test procedures

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability

Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and data entry systems

Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

Self-motivated, organized, and safety conscious