Manage packaging test lab operations and staff; oversee ISTA/ASTM-compliant drop, vibration, compression and environmental testing; ensure equipment calibration, test quality, documentation, and lab accreditation; report results and partner with sales, design, and suppliers to support product development and continuous improvement.
Together, We Own it! Start your employee owner journey with Shorr Packaging.
The Package Test Lab Manager oversees all operations within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.
This role will lead technicians, manage testing protocols, maintains lab accreditation, and partners with cross‑functional teams to support quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This position requires a high level of both verbal and written communication skills as interactions with customers, both internal and external will be expected daily.
Responsibilities
Lab Operations & Testing Execution
- Lab Operations Management: Lead daily lab workflow, scheduling, sample intake, and resource allocation to meet testing timelines and customer commitments
- Testing & Validation: Execute and oversee packaging tests (drop, vibration, compression, environmental) ensuring alignment with ISTA, ASTM, and customer specifications
- Test Quality & Reporting: Review, validate, and communicate test results; ensure accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation/traceability
- Cross-Functional Support: Partner with sales, packaging design, and suppliers to support product development, customer requests, and root cause analysis
- Customer & Internal Enablement: Provide recommendations and insights based on testing outcomes to improve packaging performance and reduce risk
Equipment, Quality & Compliance
- Equipment Oversight: Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of all lab equipment (drop testers, vibration tables, compression testers, environmental chambers)
- Quality & Compliance: Maintain adherence to safety standards, testing protocols, and applicable certifications (ISTA/ASTM); support audits and resolve discrepancies
People Leadership & Lab Development
- Team Leadership: Hire, coach, and develop lab technicians; set expectations and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards
- Process & SOP Development: Establish and standardize testing protocols, workflows, and documentation to support scalability and consistency
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 5+ years of packaging testing experience including team leadership responsibilities.
- Prior experience leading a lab or technical team strongly preferred
- Experience with packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, films, protective packaging)
- Familiarity with lab equipment such as compression testers, vibration tables, and environmental chambers
- Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, Hazmat and TAPPI regulatory packaging standards.
- Proven people leadership and team development experience
The base pay range for this role is $125,000 – $150,000 per year.
Shorr Packaging does not provide work authorization sponsorship for this position.
Shorr Benefits
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Together, We Own It!
- Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverages
- Generous PTO with vacation, sick and floating holidays.
- 401K plan plus matching
- Team based Employee Owner company culture
Shorr Packaging Corp is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy of Shorr Packaging Corp to afford full Equal Employment Opportunity, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status or disability status or any other legally protected status.
Shorr Packaging Corporation Aurora, Illinois, USA Office
4000 Ferry Rd, Aurora, Illinois, United States, 60502 9540
Shorr Packaging Corporation West Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
555 Innovation Dr, West Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60185 2068
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