Overview As a Lab Engineer in Global Materials Science (GMS), you will lead advanced materials testing and characterization to inform breakthrough packaging materials. You will shape experimental direction in state-of-the-art labs, develop test methods, operate critical equipment, and generate data that guides cross-functional decisions affecting packaging used by millions of customers. You work independently, mentor junior engineers, and partner with engineers, scientists, and procurement to drive sustainable packaging solutions at scale. This role offers ownership over methods, data, and technical strategy in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Compensation / Benefits- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- RSUs and sign-on payments
- Life and AD&D insurance
Responsibilities- Lead and perform advanced materials testing using tensile, burst, tear testers, rheometers, and thermal analysis instruments
- Design and refine test protocols following TAPPI, ASTM, ISO, ISTA standards and internal methods
- Conduct multi-variable testing on packaging materials (paper substrates, adhesives, coatings, fibers) and interpret results for project goals
- Troubleshoot equipment, optimize test parameters, ensure calibration across lab instruments
- Prepare test specimens per SOPs, adapting methods for novel materials
- Identify and implement improved lab processes and best practices across the organization
- Collect, organize, and document experimental data with high accuracy
- Perform advanced analysis to identify trends and correlations and inform project direction
- Generate comprehensive test reports with clear recommendations
- Drive data-driven decision making and develop standardized data analysis templates
- Develop, author, and maintain SOPs and work instructions for testing activities
- Maintain safe, clean, organized lab environment and lead safety programs
- Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, data quality, and lab throughput
- Manage inventory of lab supplies and anticipate needs to prevent disruptions
- Mentor junior lab engineers in testing techniques, data analysis, and best practices
- Serve as technical contact for testing questions, method development, and troubleshooting
- Provide guidance on experimental design and foster problem-solving skills within the team
- Collaborate with Advanced Materials Engineers on design, method development, and results interpretation
- Lead supplier qualification testing and coordinate testing workflows with go/no-go decisions
- Coordinate sample preparation and testing programs for field trials and deployment validation
- Contribute to project planning with feasibility, timeline, and resource input
- Own development and refinement of test procedures, SOPs, and validation documentation
- Document procedures, observations, and results to establish team standards
- Identify and implement improvements to testing methods and lab processes
- Apply materials science principles to interpret results in the context of project goals
- Stay current with emerging test methods and bring new approaches to the lab
- Work primarily in a laboratory setting with hands-on equipment
- Adhere to safety protocols and PPE requirements
- Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs and standing/kneeling throughout the day
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and program managers to deliver impact
- Support packaging innovations that advance sustainability goals and customer experience
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Polymer Science, Physics or related fields
- 6+ years of experience in packaging materials development, testing, manufacturing, or related field
- Experience developing test methods or SOPs for materials characterization
- Experience with packaging materials or forest products testing (paper, adhesives, coatings, or polymers) following standard test methods (TAPPI, ASTM, ISO, ISTA)
- Hands-on experience with testing equipment (tensile, burst, thermal analysis, SEM, DMA) and data analysis tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present complex data to stakeholders
- Mentoring and coaching
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Tensile testers
- Burst testers
- Tear testers
