Packaging Test Engineer

Institute of Packaging Professionals; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Packaging Professionals in Bridgeport, CT seeks a Packaging Test Engineer – Packaging Laboratory & Qualification to conduct packaging performance testing, validate packaging systems, and ensure compliance with ISTA and ASTM standards. You will operate specialized lab equipment, develop test protocols, and prepare detailed technical reports to support product quality and reliability.

The role involves leading qualification testing for new and unreleased products, maintaining SOPs,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in packaging testing, packaging engineering, product qualification, quality testing, or laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of ISTA testing protocols, including ISTA 6 Overbox/SIOC, and applicable ASTM packaging test methods.
• Experience operating laboratory testing equipment and interpreting packaging performance results.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, package structures, component compatibility, and product protection requirements.
• Experience preparing technical test reports, documenting failures, and communicating findings and recommendations.
• Familiarity with developing and maintaining SOPs, laboratory documentation, and safety procedures.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety, testing accuracy, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct packaging performance testing in accordance with ISTA 6 Overbox/SIOC protocols, applicable ASTM standards, and other relevant packaging industry testing requirements.
• Operate laboratory equipment to evaluate packaging durability, structural integrity, transit performance, and compliance with testing criteria and certification requirements.
• Analyze test results, identify failures, document observations, and prepare comprehensive laboratory reports outlining performance outcomes.
• Lead packaging qualification and validation testing for new, incoming, and unreleased products to verify packaging performance and readiness for commercialization.
• Develop product-specific packaging test protocols based on package components, materials, design, and intended application.
• Evaluate the compatibility and functionality of packaging components to ensure proper fit, sealing performance, product protection, and intended use.
• Identify packaging design deficiencies and collaborate with stakeholders to recommend improvements.
• Develop, review, update, and maintain SOPs for laboratory equipment and testing procedures.
• Establish consistent testing methodologies and documentation practices to improve laboratory efficiency and traceability.
• Maintain laboratory safety procedures and equipment operating instructions.
• Ensure testing activities comply with safety requirements and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and qualification reports.
• Collaborate with Packaging Engineering, R&D, QA, Product Development, and other cross-functional teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives involving packaging performance and testing processes.

Skills

Packaging testing

ISTA protocols

Lab equipment operation

Technical reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science/Engineering or related field

Job description

Packaging Test Engineer – Packaging Laboratory & Qualification

Job Summary

Responsible for conducting packaging performance testing, product qualification, and packaging validation to ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and product performance requirements. The role involves operating specialized laboratory testing equipment, evaluating packaging integrity and functionality, developing testing procedures, maintaining laboratory safety standards, and preparing detailed technical reports to support product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct packaging performance testing in accordance with ISTA 6 Overbox/SIOC protocols, applicable ASTM standards, and other relevant packaging industry testing requirements.
• Operate specialized laboratory equipment to evaluate packaging durability, structural integrity, transit performance, and compliance with applicable testing criteria and certification requirements.
• Analyze test results, identify product and packaging failures, document observations, and prepare comprehensive laboratory reports outlining performance outcomes, failure points, and recommended corrective actions.
• Lead packaging qualification and validation testing for new, incoming, and unreleased products to verify packaging performance, functionality, compatibility, and readiness for commercialization.
• Develop product-specific packaging test protocols based on package components, materials, design, and intended application.
• Evaluate the compatibility and functionality of packaging components, including bottles, closures, and associated components, to ensure proper fit, sealing performance, product protection, and intended use.
• Identify packaging design deficiencies, performance risks, and potential failure modes, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to recommend improvements.
• Develop, review, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory equipment, existing test methods, and newly introduced testing procedures.
• Establish consistent testing methodologies and documentation practices to improve laboratory efficiency, test repeatability, and reliability of results.
• Maintain and continuously improve laboratory safety procedures, equipment operating instructions, and safe work practices to minimize operational risks and prevent incidents.
• Ensure laboratory testing activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety requirements, established procedures, and relevant quality standards.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, testing documentation, qualification reports, and supporting data to ensure traceability and facilitate technical reviews.
• Collaborate with Packaging Engineering, R&D, Quality Assurance, Product Development, and other cross-functional teams to resolve packaging performance issues and support product qualification.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives involving packaging performance, testing efficiency, laboratory processes, and product quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience in packaging testing, packaging engineering, product qualification, quality testing, or laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of ISTA testing protocols, including ISTA 6 Overbox/SIOC, and applicable ASTM packaging test methods.
• Experience operating laboratory testing equipment and interpreting packaging performance results.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, package structures, component compatibility, and product protection requirements.
• Experience preparing technical test reports, documenting failures, and communicating findings and recommendations.
• Familiarity with developing and maintaining SOPs, laboratory documentation, and safety procedures.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety, testing accuracy, and quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting transit simulation, distribution testing, drop testing, vibration testing, compression testing, or other packaging performance evaluations.
• Familiarity with ISTA certification requirements and packaging qualification processes.
• Experience testing bottle-and-closure systems, consumer product packaging, or other assembled packaging components.
• Knowledge of packaging failure analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective action methodologies.
• Experience supporting new product introductions and pre-commercialization packaging qualification.