VAVE Packaging Engineer

Bio-Rad Laboratories; Hercules (CA); On-site; USD 107,900 - 148,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical plans

401k plus profit sharing

Paid parental leave

Extensive learning and development opportunities

Employee Resource Groups (ERG's)

Job summary

A leading life science company in Hercules, California, is seeking a Packaging Engineer to enhance its diagnostics and life-science portfolio. The role involves optimizing packaging processes, designing and qualifying shippers, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce costs and environmental impact. The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. in a relevant field and at least 3 years of experience in a regulated industry. Competitive benefits and a focus on employee wellbeing are highlighted.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a regulated industry.
• Mid-level understanding of statistical techniques and validation methods.
• Experience collaborating across departments including R&D, QA/RA, and Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate SKUs and standardize pack-outs to reduce material use.
• Design/qualify shippers and kits for various temperature lanes.
• Advance sustainable packaging with measured cost and carbon reductions.

Skills

Statistical techniques

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Sustainable packaging knowledge

Packaging design

Education

B.S. in Packaging, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field

Tools

ISTA/ASTM testing

Job description

Packaging Engineer in Value Engineering, you'll support Bio‑Rad's diagnostics and life‑science portfolio by consolidating and optimizing primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging—including cold‑chain systems and compliant labeling. Collaborating with internal teams and suppliers, you'll right‑size materials, improve cube and freight, and lead thermal/distribution validations. You'll also build a deep understanding of packaging processes and the safety, environmental, and quality regulations that ensure we deliver for our customers.

How You'll Make An Impact:

• Consolidate SKUs and standardize pack‑outs to reduce material use and freight, improving cube utilization and total landed cost.
• Design/qualify shippers and kits for Ambient/2‑8 °C/-20 °C lanes; run ISTA/ASTM and thermal validations to cut excursion rates and damage.
• Select PCMs/insulation and pallet/carton configurations that raise on‑time, in‑spec delivery performance.
• Advance sustainable packaging (PCR, recyclable mono‑materials, re‑usable shippers) with measured cost and carbon reductions.
• Strengthen labeling robustness‑materials/adhesives for cold/condensation, UDI/GS1, print/verify‑to minimize relabeling and scanning failures.
• Create packaging should‑costs and partner with suppliers to deliver PPV/logistics savings.

What You Bring:

• Education: B.S. in Packaging, Industrial, Mechanical, or a related field.
• Work Experience: 3+ years of experience in a similar regulated industry.
• A mid‑level understanding of statistical techniques, validation methods and the ability to solve manufacturing and operational issues.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, consultative, and relationship‑management skills, with experience collaborating across R&D, QA/RA, Manufacturing, and Suppliers.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) methods; familiarity with ISTA/ASTM testing, PCM/insulation selection.
• Experience with sustainable packaging approaches and labeling systems (materials/adhesives for cold/condensation, UDI/GS1).

Location: This position must be based in Hercules, California and requires the employee to be located within commuting distance of the office.

Total Rewards Package: At Bio‑Rad, we're empowered by our purpose and recognize that our employees are as well. That's why we offer a competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards Program that provides value, quality, and inclusivity while satisfying the diverse needs of our evolving workforce. Bio‑Rad's robust offerings serve to enrich the overall health, wealth, and wellbeing of our employees and their families through the various stages of an employee's work and life cycle.

Benefits: We're proud to offer a variety of options, including competitive medical plans for you and your family, free HSA funds, a new fertility offering with stipend, group life and disability, paid parental leave, 401k plus profit sharing, an employee stock purchase program, a new upgraded and streamlined mental health platform, extensive learning and development opportunities, education benefits, student debt relief program, pet insurance, wellness challenges and support, paid time off, Employee Resource Groups (ERG's), and more!

Compensation: The estimated base salary range for this position is $107,900 to $148,400 at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors. This position is eligible for a variable annual bonus, which is dependent upon achievement of your individual objectives and Company performance.

Who We Are: For 70 years, Bio‑Rad has focused on advancing the discovery process and transforming the fields of science and healthcare. As one of the top five life science companies, we are a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad range of high‑quality research and clinical diagnostic products. We help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives. Bio‑Rad offers a unique employee experience with collaborative teams that span the globe. Here, you are supported by leadership to build your career and are empowered to drive change that makes an impact you can see.

EEO Statement: Bio‑Rad is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and we welcome candidates of all backgrounds. Veterans, people with physical or mental disabilities, and people of all race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin and citizenship status are encouraged to apply.