Package Test Lab Manager

Shorr Packaging Corp.; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision

Generous PTO

401K plan plus matching

Team-based culture

Job summary

Shorr Packaging Corp. is seeking a Package Test Lab Manager to oversee operations in the packaging test laboratory. The role involves managing lab workflow, executing tests, and supporting product development while ensuring compliance with ISTA and ASTM standards.

The ideal candidate will lead a team, maintain lab accreditation, and provide insights to improve packaging performance. Offering a competitive salary range of $125,000 - $150,000 per year, this role also includes comprehensive benefits and an employee ownership plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in packaging testing, including leadership.
• Experience with various packaging materials like corrugate and plastics.
• Strong familiarity with lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily lab operations, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Execute packaging tests and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Hire and develop lab technicians; establish testing protocols.

Skills

Leadership in lab settings

Testing protocols and validation

Knowledge of ISTA and ASTM standards

Communication with internal and external customers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

Compression testers

Vibration tables

Environmental chambers

Job description

Together, We Own it! Start your employee owner journey with Shorr Packaging.

The Package Test Lab Manager oversees all operations within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.

This role will lead technicians, manage testing protocols, maintain lab accreditation, and partner with cross‑functional teams to support quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This position requires a high level of both verbal and written communication skills as interactions with customers, both internal and external, will be expected daily.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Testing Execution

• Lab Operations Management: Lead daily lab workflow, scheduling, sample intake, and resource allocation to meet testing timelines and customer commitments
• Testing & Validation: Execute and oversee packaging tests (drop, vibration, compression, environmental) ensuring alignment with ISTA, ASTM, and customer specifications
• Test Quality & Reporting: Review, validate, and communicate test results; ensure accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation/traceability
• Cross-Functional Support: Partner with sales, packaging design, and suppliers to support product development, customer requests, and root cause analysis
• Customer & Internal Enablement: Provide recommendations and insights based on testing outcomes to improve packaging performance and reduce risk

Equipment, Quality & Compliance

• Equipment Oversight: Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of all lab equipment (drop testers, vibration tables, compression testers, environmental chambers)
• Quality & Compliance: Maintain adherence to safety standards, testing protocols, and applicable certifications (ISTA/ASTM); support audits and resolve discrepancies

People Leadership & Lab Development

• Team Leadership: Hire, coach, and develop lab technicians; set expectations and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards
• Process & SOP Development: Establish and standardize testing protocols, workflows, and documentation to support scalability and consistency

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Minimum of 5+ years of packaging testing experience including team leadership responsibilities.
• Prior experience leading a lab or technical team strongly preferred
• Experience with packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, films, protective packaging)
• Familiarity with lab equipment such as compression testers, vibration tables, and environmental chambers
• Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, Hazmat and TAPPI regulatory packaging standards.
• Proven people leadership and team development experience

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $125,000 - $150,000 per year.

Shorr Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Together, We Own It!
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverages
• Generous PTO with vacation, sick and floating holidays.
• 401K plan plus matching
• Team based Employee Owner company culture

Shorr Packaging does not provide work authorization sponsorship for this position.

Shorr Packaging Corp is an equal‑opportunity employer. It is the policy of Shorr Packaging Corp to afford full Equal Employment Opportunity, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status or disability status or any other legally protected status.