R&D Packaging Engineer

ALTOR; Belcamp (MD); On-site; USD 93,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTOR in Belcamp, MD, is seeking an R&D Packaging Engineer to develop and test packaging for cold chain and standard distribution. You will prototype, refine, and document packaging solutions and support NPD with testing and analysis.

The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, excellent communication, and collaboration across Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations to drive successful packaging projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years progressive experience in FP&A or related roles, with a minimum of 4 years of leadership experience.
• Proficiency in thermal analysis software (SmartCAE, SimCenter, ANSYS) and CAD (SolidWorks).
• Experience in laboratory or production environments and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing per ISTA, 21CFR Part 11, GMP/GLP.
• Program, operate, and maintain laboratory testing and fabrication equipment.
• Collaborate with teams to create project timelines for development and testing.
• Coordinate with Quality to maintain certifications and calibrations.
• Maintain a safe, organized testing environment and stay current on techniques.
• Analyze test data, present results, and prepare test protocols and reports.
• Support cross-functional NPD and product-improvement projects in lab and production settings.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SmartCAE

SimCenter

ANSYS

SolidWorks

MS Office

CNC equipment

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Packaging Engineer

Department: Innovation Technology

Reports To: R&D Lab Manager -Product Compliance Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel: 5-10%

Job Summary

The Research & Development Packaging Engineer role is responsible for creating, prototyping, refining, and testing packaging designs for thermally protective (cold chain) distribution products as well as packaging used for standard distribution, retail, food service, and healthcare customers.

This position will support New Product Development (NPD) through testing, documentation, and analysis as well as managing Lab facility and equipment and select support personnel. The R&D Packaging Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations during the NPD process.

A successful candidate will need excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills, as well as a strong engineering foundation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document thermal and physical testing consistent with relevant industry and quality standards (such as ISTA, 21CFR Part 11, GMP/GLP, etc.).
• Program, operate, and maintain laboratory testing and fabrication Equipment.
• Collaborate with testing personnel and project teams to create project timelines for development and testing projects.
• Coordinate with Quality team to maintain required certifications of the test lab and all required equipment calibrations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized testing and working environment.
• Remain current on relevant techniques and technology through research and training.
• Collect and analyze test data, organize and present it established formats. Provide input on analysis and presentation methods.
• Prepare test protocols, and both experimental and qualification reports.
• Coordinate with Quality for timely creation, review, and approval of high-quality test planning (Protocol creation) and results documentation (Final Report creation) and delivery.
• Execute experiments supporting both cross-functional NPD and existing product improvement projects in both laboratory and production settings and provide feedback to experimental design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in all innovation and testing process areas as possible.
• Support project prioritization by having excellent awareness of resource and equipment utilization and providing feedback on availability.
• Model and maintain a high standard of initiative and a focus on timeliness.
• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats, with the ability to adapt communication style based on audience and situational needs. Communicate well both in person and with remote teammates.
• Can be counted on to execute specified tasks in the determined timeframe. Must be self-motivated and able to prioritize and multi-task.
• Maintain the highest standard of professionalism at all times, with awareness of social, ethical and organizational norms, codes of conduct, and ethical principles. Act in line with Altor corporate values.
• Requires regular attendance to perform all essential tasks.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis of temperature controlled packaging systems. This includes using existing models as well as developing conceptual models and running multiple thermal simulations to develop optimal packaging systems.
• Respond to errors, equipment failures, and other obstacles with transparency and a positive focus on both short- and long-term solutions. Obtain management feedback on customer messaging related to quality and delivery issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Values

Our core values define how we work and what we expect from every associate. The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate these values in performing the responsibilities of this role. Each core value represents essential behaviors and competencies aligned with the duties and qualifications of the position.

• Accountability – We take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring transparency and trust with our stakeholders, customers, associates, and the environment. Competencies: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Resilience, Time Management/Prioritization and Learning Agility
• Innovation – We champion creativity and collaboration, continually striving to deliver groundbreaking solutions that transform our industry and exceed expectations. Competencies: Creativity & Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, Vision & Strategic Thinking, and Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity – We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in every decision and action, fostering trust at all levels in our organization. Competencies: Honesty, Consistency & Dependability and Commitment to Excellence
• Adaptability – We embrace change agility and resilience, staying flexible and proactive in a constantly evolving world. Competencies: Communication, Results Oriented and Flexibility
• Caring – We prioritize the well-being of our people, communities, and business partners, recognizing that their success and happiness are vital to our own. Competencies: Organizational Savvy, Risk Management, Compliance, Diversity, and Empathy
• Passion – We are driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, demonstrating determination to succeed while maintaining humility and respect for others. Competencies: Commitment, Persistence & Tenacity, Humility and Respect

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years progressive experience in FP&A or related roles, with a minimum of 4 years of experience in a leadership capacity.
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamic and heat transfer principles will be preferred.
• Skill in using thermal analysis software such as SmartCAE, SimCenter or ANSYS will be a significant asset
• ISTA’s CTP I certification within the first 6-months nice to have
• Prior experience in a laboratory or production/operations environment
• Well-Versed in MS programs: Office, Excel, PowerPoint.
• CAD and CAM Experience, particularly SolidWorks a big plus.
• Experience running and maintaining CNC equipment also a plus
• Ability to troubleshoot engineered designs and suggest changes based on data analysis.
• Ability to prepare and execute test protocols in collaboration with QA, Project management, Engineering, Sales/Marketing
• Ability to solve problems in a variety of field and laboratory settings
• Ability to learn, operate, and maintain equipment in a safe and professional manner
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form
• Prior cold chain experience preferred but not required
• Prior experience in R&D testing laboratory preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Focus areas for product innovation by this cross-functional team include packaging design, sustainability, rapid prototyping, advanced insulating materials and manufacturing processes, and phase change materials.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient with Microsoft Office -- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is typical of most office environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate level.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to a particular position. This document in no way states or implies that this is as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from, any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.

Salary Description

Exempt Position: Annual Salary $93,000 to $116,000