Virginia Tech, Department of Sustainable Biomaterials

Packaging Laboratory Manager

Posted on November 18, 2024
Virginia Tech, Department of Sustainable Biomaterials

Position Overview

The individual will be responsible for:
• Evaluating packages, pallets, and unit loads based on ISTA, ASTM, AIAG, ISO standards, and custom testing protocols
• Developing test setups and experimental designs
• Planning, organizing, setting up, and supervising standardized and customized tests
• Coordinating deliveries and shipment of materials
• Conducting data analysis and writing final reports
• Presenting research and testing information in industry and/or scientific conferences
• Ensuring that testing is completed in a timely manner
• Troubleshooting and investigating problems affecting the testing operation
• Assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure effective completion of area functions,
• Assigning, training, and directing personnel
• Coordinating equipment maintenance
• Attaining and maintaining laboratory accreditations
• Fostering collaboration between the different laboratories of the Center
• Teaching an experiential learning class

Required Qualifications

• Possess a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the mission of the Center
• Master’s degree in wood science, engineering, packaging or related field by date of hire
• Experience with mechanical testing, data acquisition, and data processing
• Ability to analyze testing data and write testing reports
• Proficiency and proclivity for analytical, logical, systematic and statistical thinking.
• Ability to conduct standardized and customized testing related to packaging, pallets, and unit loads
• Ability to provide mentorship and training to graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to work independently
• Experience in testing laboratory or in a manufacturing operation
• Ability to use powered hand tools and wood shop tools
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to direct, lead, and manage graduate students to achieve laboratory objectives.
• Ability to understand a client’s goals and translate them into technical testing requirements.
• Ability to communicate and interface with clients
• Ability to supervise, train, and work directly with students on hands on testing projects.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain VT fork lift driver certification for all powered industrial trucks
• Ability to work on your feet in conditioned and unconditioned spaces
• Demonstrated strong technical writing skills
• Successful applicant must pass conviction check
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Multiple years of work experience in pallet or packaging design and testing
• Demonstrated experience with interacting with and attracting new clients
• Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional certification
• Working knowledge in Lean manufacturing or other continuous improvement methods
• Demonstrated management skills
• Experience with implementing and monitoring lab safety protocols
• Experience advising graduate students or being involved in research projects
• Experience with designing and building complex test setups and testing jigs/fixtures
• Experience with using data collection and analysis using Labview or similar software
• Experience with statistical methods and tools such as JMP or Minitab

Responsibilities

The individual will be responsible for:
• Evaluating packages, pallets, and unit loads based on ISTA, ASTM, AIAG, ISO standards, and custom testing protocols
• Developing test setups and experimental designs
• Planning, organizing, setting up, and supervising standardized and customized tests
• Coordinating deliveries and shipment of materials
• Conducting data analysis and writing final reports
• Presenting research and testing information in industry and/or scientific conferences
• Ensuring that testing is completed in a timely manner
• Troubleshooting and investigating problems affecting the testing operation
• Assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure effective completion of area functions,
• Assigning, training, and directing personnel
• Coordinating equipment maintenance
• Attaining and maintaining laboratory accreditations
• Fostering collaboration between the different laboratories of the Center
• Teaching an experiential learning class

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Possess a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the mission of the Center
• Master’s degree in wood science, engineering, packaging or related field by date of hire
• Experience with mechanical testing, data acquisition, and data processing
• Ability to analyze testing data and write testing reports
• Proficiency and proclivity for analytical, logical, systematic and statistical thinking.
• Ability to conduct standardized and customized testing related to packaging, pallets, and unit loads
• Ability to provide mentorship and training to graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to work independently
• Experience in testing laboratory or in a manufacturing operation
• Ability to use powered hand tools and wood shop tools
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to direct, lead, and manage graduate students to achieve laboratory objectives.
• Ability to understand a client’s goals and translate them into technical testing requirements.
• Ability to communicate and interface with clients
• Ability to supervise, train, and work directly with students on hands on testing projects.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain VT fork lift driver certification for all powered industrial trucks
• Ability to work on your feet in conditioned and unconditioned spaces
• Demonstrated strong technical writing skills
• Successful applicant must pass conviction check
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Multiple years of work experience in pallet or packaging design and testing
• Demonstrated experience with interacting with and attracting new clients
• Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional certification
• Working knowledge in Lean manufacturing or other continuous improvement methods
• Demonstrated management skills
• Experience with implementing and monitoring lab safety protocols
• Experience advising graduate students or being involved in research projects
• Experience with designing and building complex test setups and testing jigs/fixtures
• Experience with using data collection and analysis using Labview or similar software
• Experience with statistical methods and tools such as JMP or Minitab

How to Apply

Click on "apply now" at this link:  https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/531616/packaging-laboratory-manager

Application deadline: December 16, 2024


Equal Employment Opportunity

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.