R&D Packaging Engineer

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Belcamp (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team-driven culture

Global opportunities

People-first workplace

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Research & Development Packaging Engineer to design, prototype, test, and improve packaging for cold chain, retail, and healthcare products. You will support new product development through testing, analysis, documentation, and lab management while partnering with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and Operations teams.

The role emphasizes collaborative problem solving, data-driven decision making, and hands-on testing to bring new packaging solutions to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or testing environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to analyze data and improve engineered designs.
• Experience developing test protocols with Quality, PM, Engineering, and Sales/Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, test, and improve packaging solutions for multiple product types.
• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing per ISTA and GMP/GLP.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and fabrication equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop testing schedules and timelines.
• Maintain lab certifications, calibrations, and documentation procedures.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Problem-solving

Thermal analysis software

CAD/CAM (SolidWorks)

CNC equipment

Cold chain packaging

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

SmartCAE

SimCenter

ANSYS

CNC control systems

Job description

The Research & Development Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, prototyping, testing, and improving packaging solutions for cold chain, retail, food service, healthcare, and standard distribution products. This role supports new product development through product testing, analysis, documentation, and laboratory management while partnering closely with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and Operations teams to bring new packaging solutions to market.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You'll Do:

• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing in compliance with industry and quality standards (ISTA, 21 CFR Part 11, GMP/GLP, etc.).
• Program, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory testing and fabrication equipment.
• Partner with project teams to develop testing schedules and project timelines.
• Coordinate with Quality to maintain lab certifications, equipment calibrations, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
• Collect, analyze, and present test data; prepare protocols, qualification reports, and experimental documentation.
• Execute laboratory and production-based testing to support new product development and product improvement initiatives.
• Perform thermal modeling, simulation, and analysis of temperature-controlled packaging systems.
• Support continuous improvement efforts across testing, innovation, and development processes.
• Monitor equipment and resource utilization to help prioritize projects and optimize lab capacity.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional and remote teams through clear verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrate initiative, professionalism, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships while adhering to company values, policies, and ethical standards.
• Respond proactively to equipment issues and project obstacles, focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, production, operations, or testing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to troubleshoot engineered designs and recommend improvements based on data analysis.
• Experience developing and executing test protocols in collaboration with Quality, Project Management, Engineering, and Sales/Marketing teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills in both laboratory and field settings.
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles.
• Experience using thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter, or ANSYS.
• CAD/CAM experience, particularly with SolidWorks.
• Experience operating and maintaining CNC equipment.
• Experience in cold chain packaging or temperature-controlled distribution.
• Prior experience in an R&D testing laboratory.
• Experience supporting product innovation initiatives involving packaging design, sustainability, rapid prototyping, advanced insulating materials, manufacturing processes, or phase change materials.

What Sets You Apart:

• ISTA Certified Thermal Professional (CTP I) certification or willingness to obtain within the first 6 months.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.