Test Lab Associate Engineer

Test Lab Associate Engineer

The Test Lab Associate Engineer supports day-to-day laboratory operation and primary sterile barrier design within Oliver Healthcare Packaging. Responsibilities include performing testing, scheduling, prioritizing, reporting test results for multiple types of performance, analytical and physical test methods, dimensional design and prototyping for sterile barrier packaging materials. This role will be responsible for the safety, efficiency, and functionality of lab equipment. Working with technical services engineers, internal stakeholders, sales representatives and customers will be essential to understand testing requirements, execute testing & prototype making with high quality in a timely manner, and deliver results in an organized way.

Primary Responsibilities / Essential Functions

General

• Test Lab: Perform packaging testing, material characterization, and analytical testing to support the regional production site as well as overflow from other Oliver labs. Provide oversight of the laboratory environment, physical workspaces, equipment and procedures.
• Prioritization: Collaborate with stakeholders to understand testing objectives to ensure deadlines are met and to establish priority of testing based on urgency and impact to the business and customers.
• Software: Ongoing use and development of software platforms to support lab operations, reporting, and organization of archived data for easy ongoing use.
• Test Methods: Understanding and application of ISO, ASTM and other industry standards and test methods to demonstrate best laboratory practices in daily lab operations.May also be asked to be involved in developing custom test methods and execute test method validations.
• Reporting: Review test data and results for accuracy and consistency and construct technical reports and memos.Provide feedback and results of testing to internal stakeholders and directly to Oliver’s customer base as needed.
• Maintenance: Provide oversight and execution of test equipment maintenance and calibration.Troubleshoot and resolve any test equipment related issues.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements in test methods and lab operations. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new packaging technologies, and best practices. Lead initiatives to improve test efficiency, reliability, and accuracy.
• Prototyping: Produce packaging prototypes for customer applications and identify and implement technology for improvements of the process. Proficient at creating structures or art along with attention to detailed dimensioning and geometry. Track and Inventory customer medical devices. Develop and produce samples, photos, slides and videos.

Commercial Support

• Support marketing collateral by providing data that is traceable and accurate.

Interface directly with customers at times in support of troubleshooting, application guidance, line trials and complaint/ CAPA projects under the direction of senior engineer.

• Assist with product portfolio management activities.
• Support the sales team with material selection, design assistance and by presenting product data for customer use.

Operations, Quality Assurance & Supply Chain Support

• Provide technical support for customer complaint and CAPA investigations by performing testing, defect analysis and constructing technical documentation.
• Support production efforts by managing validation testing and other departments testing overflow as needed.
• Support activities related to evaluation of new suppliers including mechanical property testing and performance testing.
• Support activities related to supplier CAPA and change notifications.

Safety

• Work with the EHS Department to ensure that test lab equipment and procedures comply with Oliver’s standard regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all potentially hazardous materials in lab and testing areas are properly stored and labeled.
• Ensure all new materials and testing procedures are evaluated for potential safety risks.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Diploma in Science, Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry or closely related field,
• Bachelor of Science in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry or closely related field preferred.

Experience

• 0 – 2 years working experience
• Experience with 2D software (ie: AutoCAD), experience with 3D software is preferred.
• Experience with dynamic, analytical or performance lab environments.
• Knowledge and application of quality management tools and statistical techniques such as, DOE, Gauge R&R, Process Capability, and SPC.
• Knowledge of sterile and flexible packaging design and performance is preferred.
• Knowledge of flexible packaging converting and sealing is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience within the Medical Device industry including ISO 13485 and ISO 11607 standards preferred.
• Skilled communicator with excellent speaking, organizational and technical writing skills.
• Skilled using statistical and analysis tools such as Excel and MiniTab.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and/or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write technical documentation in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to speak effectively, present information and respond to questions in a clear and concise manner.

Technical Skills

• Must have a strong knowledge of applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analysis.
• High attention to detail and precision in testing and documentation. Ability to spot inconsistencies, deviations, and issues that could affect product quality or regulatory compliance.

Other Skills

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to interpret and draw conclusions from nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, data)
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; self-motivated and proactive.