Package Test Lab Technician

Shorr Packaging Corporation; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Shorr Packaging Corporation invites a Lab Test Technician to perform ISTA and cold chain testing in the packaging test laboratory. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods, collaborating with cross-functional teams daily.

Responsibilities include executing tests per ISTA/ASTM specs, validating results, and maintaining thorough documentation. Strong communication skills are required for internal and external customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years ISTA packaging testing experience.
• Strong preference for cold chain testing experience.
• Experience with packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, films).
• Familiarity with ISTA/ASTM standards and related regulatory packaging standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ISTA packaging tests (drop, vibration, compression, environmental).
• Review and communicate test results with proper documentation and traceability.
• Collaborate with sales, design and suppliers to support product development and customer requests.
• Provide insights to improve packaging performance and reduce risk.

Skills

ISTA testing

Quality documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Drop testers

Vibration tables

Compression testers

Environmental chambers

Job description

The Package Test Lab Technician conducts ISTA testing and Cold Chain functions within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.

This role will conduct testing protocols 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

• Testing & Validation: Execute 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

Lab Development

• 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 equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5+ years of ISTA packaging testing experience.
• Prior experience in cold chain testing strongly preferred
• Experience with packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, films, protective packaging)
• Intimate knowledge with lab equipment such as compression testers, vibration tables, and environmental chambers
• Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, Thermal Properties, Hazmat and TAPPI regulatory packaging standards.