Manufacturing Packaging Technician

The Opportunity:

Implements operational goals, focusing on the delivery and oversight of technical project activities. Manages smaller projects and/or phases of broader engineering initiatives within the department. Addresses recurring but varied problems, analyzing technical data and relevant factors to derive effective solutions. Maintains communication with internal team members across disciplines and external contacts, including vendors and sub-contractors, to ensure project alignment and successful outcomes.

The Manufacturing Packaging Technician serves as a packaging professional responsible for applying specialized packaging, transportation testing, and materials expertise to support packaging performance, compliance, qualification, and continuous improvement across regulated and non-regulated product portfolios. This role independently evaluates packaging systems, analyzes technical and quality-related issues, recommends solutions, and serves as a key technical resource supporting packaging-related business decisions.

Working across Packaging Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Product Management, Operations, and external suppliers, this role exercises independent judgment in executing package qualification programs, investigating packaging failures, assessing packaging risks, and driving packaging optimization opportunities. The position influences packaging standards, supports new product introductions, and contributes to business objectives through technical expertise, data-driven recommendations, and effective cross-functional collaboration.

The Manufacturing Packaging Technician is recognized as a subject matter resource for packaging testing, package performance evaluation, transportation qualification, and packaging compliance, ensuring packaging solutions meet quality, regulatory, customer, operational, and sustainability requirements.

What we’re looking for:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, Chemistry, or related technical discipline required.
• Advanced degree or specialized packaging certifications preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in packaging engineering, packaging technology, manufacturing support, product qualification, quality engineering, transportation testing, or related technical disciplines.
• Experience independently managing packaging qualification, testing, validation, or investigation activities.
• Experience analyzing technical data and providing recommendations that influence operational or business decisions.
• Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with suppliers, quality, and operations teams.

Preferred Certifications

• ISTA Certified Packaging Professional.
• Certified Packaging Professional (IoPP).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
• Hazardous Materials/DOT Certification.
• Quality-related certifications applicable to manufacturing or packaging operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)

Technical Knowledge

·       Advanced knowledge of packaging materials, packaging systems, package compatibility principles, and packaging performance requirements across regulated and non-regulated product applications.

·       Advanced knowledge of transportation testing methodologies and industry standards, including ISTA, ASTM, UN/DOT, IATA, and related package qualification requirements.

·       Working knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, DOT, IATA, IMDG, and other applicable regulatory and quality requirements governing packaging and distribution activities.

·       Understanding of BOM structures, packaging specifications, change control processes, and material management practices.

·       Knowledge of materials science principles, package design considerations, packaging risk assessment methodologies, and package performance evaluation techniques.

·       Ability to interpret and apply industry standards, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements to evaluate packaging solutions and support business decisions.

·       Understanding of packaging lifecycle management, supplier qualification processes, sustainability considerations, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

·       Strong analytical, problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to evaluate complex packaging issues and develop effective solutions.

·       Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, Qlik Sense, and related business systems.

·       Effective technical writing, data analysis, reporting, presentation, and project coordination skills.

·       Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines.

·       Ability to assess technical and business risks and make sound recommendations based on data, testing results, and operational requirements.

·       Strong project leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence decisions without direct authority.

·       Ability to balance quality, compliance, customer requirements, operational needs, sustainability objectives, and cost considerations when recommending packaging solutions.

Abilities

·       Investigate packaging issues, determine root causes, develop corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions.

·       Independently assess packaging risks, evaluate alternatives, and determine technically appropriate solutions using professional judgement.

·       Manage multiple priorities, technical projects, and business initiatives effectively while meeting established timelines.

·       Collaborate across functions and with suppliers to address technical challenges, support product launches and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

·       Influence technical and operational decisions through analysis, expertise, and data-driven recommendations without direct authority.

·       Interpret technical specifications, procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements and apply them to complex packaging situations.

·       Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders and maintain accurate organized documentation.

·       Demonstrate strong attention to detail and adherence to safety, quality, regulatory, and data integrity standards.

·       Demonstrate the ability to lead packaging investigations, testing activities, and qualification efforts while providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams.

·       Demonstrate the ability to execute and evaluate detailed test protocols, work instructions, validation activities, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

·       Safely operate laboratory and packaging testing equipment in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

·       Demonstrate business acumen and the ability to support decisions that improve packaging performance, reduce risk, enhance compliance, and contribute to operational and business objectives.

How you will thrive and create impact

Packaging Quality, Investigations, and Corrective Actions

·       Lead technical investigations involving packaging-related customer complaints, quality events, nonconformances, and CAPAs.

·       Analyze complex packaging failures and performance issues to determine root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

·       Evaluate trends and recurring issues to identify systemic risks and improvement opportunities.

·       Provide technical recommendations to Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams regarding packaging-related concerns.

·       Influence implementation of corrective actions through collaboration with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Package Qualification, Validation, and Technical Assessment

·       Independently plan, execute, and document packaging qualification and validation activities.

·       Evaluate packaging materials, components, and systems for compliance with performance, regulatory, and customer requirements.

·       Analyze qualification data and develop recommendations regarding package suitability, risk mitigation, and implementation.

·       Support packaging strategy development for new products, packaging changes, and lifecycle management activities.

·       Assess the impact of material, supplier, and design changes on package performance and compliance.

Transportation and Distribution Testing

·       Serve as technical lead for transportation and distribution qualification testing programs.

·       Develop testing approaches and execute performance testing in accordance with ISTA, ASTM, UN/DOT, and internal requirements.

·       Interpret testing results, determine package performance risks, and recommend design improvements.

·       Author technical reports and qualification summaries used to support business and regulatory decisions.

·       Maintain technical ownership of testing programs, laboratory processes, equipment performance, and calibration compliance.

Packaging Materials and Supplier Management

·       Evaluate packaging materials and supplier capabilities to support sourcing, qualification, continuity, and organization initiatives.

·       Provide technical guidance regarding packaging specifications, performance requirements, and material selection.

·       Partner directly with suppliers to investigate technical issues, implement improvements, and support packaging innovation.

·       Assess supplier-proposed changes and determine impacts to packaging performance, compliance, quality, and customer requirements.

·       Influence packaging-related supplier decisions through technical analysis and recommendations.

Stability, Compatibility, and Material Performance Studies

·       Manage packaging compatibility and material performance studies from planning through completion.

·       Evaluate study results and identify potential packaging-product interaction risks.

·       Recommend actions based on performance data, observations, and technical findings.

·       Maintain technical oversight of study documentation and data integrity requirements.

·       Support business decisions related to package selection and change management through technical evaluation.

Data Analysis and Business Systems

·       Utilize SAP, Qlik Sense, and related systems to evaluate packaging performance, supplier trends, lifecycle risks, material demand, and cost drivers.

·       Analyze packaging data to identify opportunities for optimization, compliance improvements, and operational efficiencies.

·       Develop reports, metrics, and technical assessments that support packaging and supply chain decision-making.

·       Maintain governance of packaging-related system data and documentation accuracy.

Packaging Optimization and Continuous Improvement

·       Identify and lead packaging improvement initiatives related to performance, sustainability, cost reduction, material standardization, and supply continuity.

·       Evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.

·       Recommend and implement solutions that improve package integrity, customer experience, manufacturing efficiency, and business performance.

·       Participate as a technical contributor on cross-functional process improvement and product launch teams.

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership

·       Serve as a packaging subject matter expert supporting Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Product Management, and Engineering.

·       Influence technical decisions through application of packaging expertise and analysis.

·       Present recommendations, technical findings, and risk assessments to cross-functional stakeholders.

·       Provide consultation regarding packaging requirements, transportation challenges, supplier issues, and qualification strategies.

·       Support strategic initiatives involving packaging innovation, product commercialization, and business growth.

Compliance and Documentation

·       Interpret and apply applicable packaging regulations, standards, and quality requirements including cGMP, OSHA, DOT, IATA, ISTA, ASTM, and IMDG.

·       Ensure packaging programs and documentation comply with internal quality systems and external regulatory requirements.

·       Author and maintain technical documentation including protocols, reports, specifications, qualifications summaries, risk assessments, and testing records.

·       Support audits, inspections, and regulatory submissions by providing technical expertise and documentation.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)

·       Work in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse environments.

·       Perform packaging evaluations, testing, inspections, and technical assessments.

·       Operate computers, laboratory instruments, testing equipment, and material handling devices.

·       May be exposed to chemicals, packaging materials, and manufacturing environments.

·       Occasional travel to suppliers, testing, manufacturing, or customer sites may be required.

·       Ability to lift and maneuver materials up to 50 pounds and perform standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements.

·       Comply with all required PPE, safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$62,500.00 - $100,625.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

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3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.