Package Test Lab Technician

Shorr Packaging Corp.; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Generous PTO

401K with matching

Team-based ownership culture

Job summary

Shorr Packaging Corp. is seeking a Lab Test Technician to conduct ISTA testing and Cold Chain related functions within the packaging test laboratory. You will ensure tests align with ISTA/ASTM specifications and partner with cross-functional teams to deliver accurate results.

The role requires strong written and verbal communication, documentation, and strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Experience with packaging materials and lab equipment such as drop testers, vibration tables,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

ISTA testing

Lab testing

Cross-functional communication

Packaging knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Drop testers

Vibration tables

Compression testers

Environmental chambers

Job description

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

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 crossfunctional 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.

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $105,000 - $115,000 per year.

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

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 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.