Senior Lab Technologist Job detail

Schedule: Day Shift Monday-Friday with OT as needed

Salary: $51,000/yr-$69,000/yr depending on experience

Location: Richmond VA

Senior Lab Technician/Technologist 

The Smurfit Westrock Technical Center has an open position in the lab that will report to the Laboratory Supervisor.  This team member will develop knowledge and experience with a broad spectrum of test methods and engineering principles used to develop, evaluate, and improve performance-based packaging.

The successful candidate will work primarily in the Container and Paper Testing Labs where TAPPI Test Methods are used to conduct testing and evaluation of Corrugated Board, Base Materials, and Boxes.  These methods include everything from microscopic analysis of paper up to compression testing corrugated cases.  Most importantly, the successful candidate will learn how to analyze test data from packaging components to evaluate how these properties affect overall package performance.

The position will also get high level exposure to ISTA, ASTM, and customized test protocols used to simulate various storage and distribution environments to which a packaged product may be subjected. These test methods encompass four key distribution hazards:  Shock, Vibration, Compression, and Environmental. Testing is used to evaluate, and ultimately qualify, packaged product solutions.  The team member will learn which test methods are appropriate to simulate different distribution/storage environments.  They may periodically have the opportunity to set up prototypes for testing, assist in performing test procedures, evaluating results, and reporting/presenting findings.  

Project management work will be assigned that will allow the successful candidate to research topics important for WestRock to Defend, Improve, and/or Gain business.  With guidance from management, this individual will develop project plans, submit project and testing plans for approval, gather or produce samples for testing, perform appropriate tests, analyze test data, and present findings to R&D leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications

2 or 4-year degree with emphasis in Packaging, Paper Science, or other Science Field.  Equivalent experience in a laboratory or packaging development environment may be considered.

1-2 years experience in a technical role related to Packaging, Paper, or in a laboratory environment.

Self-guided employee with proven success in project management.

Fluency with Microsoft Office programs that includes the ability to create documents within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Experience with statistical analysis of data.