Packaging Lab Technician

About the Position

We are seeking a Packaging Lab Technician to join our team in Valhalla, NY. In this role, you will design engaging consumer experiences and develop multi-year packaging innovations. You will be responsible for managing the coordination of distribution testing, utilizing third-party vendors to complete simulated distribution models. Your work will involve testing the performance of packaging materials within the distribution modeling methods using approved scientific methods and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Execute lab testing according to PepsiCo/Industry standards, maintaining solid documentation and observation skills, and develop new SOPs as needed.
• Translate technical knowledge of industry standard methodology and equipment operating guardrails into effective package test plans meeting ISTA standards for distribution testing standards.
• Provide final distribution testing results to project leaders.
• Work with a variety of packaging materials (bottles, closures, labels, cans, glass, corrugated, unit loads, etc), processing conditions (hot fill, cold fill, carbonation, aseptic), and demonstrates aptitude to work with a variety of materials and processing conditions.
• Support packaging development, application, and integration initiatives by accurately testing, and preparing beverage prototypes and submitting samples for analytical and sensory evaluation.
• Coordinate activities for and attend plant trials or pilot plant trials to support engineers as needed. Coordinates the storage of samples, submits samples for required analytical or sensory testing, etc. as a result of those trials.
• Provide leadership in a team environment that supports the needs of multiple business units and sometimes competing priorities.
• Perform all on-the-job activities in a safe manner and within the context of all PepsiCo safety protocols, as well as willing to lead safety platform.
• Develop presentations based on work.
• Compose custom package test protocols, standard operating procedures, and standard test methodologies when none exists.
• Takes direction from multiple sources, from junior engineers to senior leaders.
• Attend business meetings and project reviews.
• Has basic knowledge of most of the packaging equipment in the lab.
• Support the coordination of distribution packaging testing at third-party vendors.
• Manage distribution testing weekly schedule and timelines.
• Work closely with package developers to ensure proper distribution methods are performed at vendor and issue final report once complete.
• Ensure Unit Loads are properly erected for distribution testing prior to delivery to 3rd party vendor.
• COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment for this role. Please note that all such company vaccine requirements provide the opportunity to request an approved accommodation or exemption under applicable law.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent with work experience in a scientific field.
• Strong interpersonal skills: will work with Engineers to effectively and efficiently meet business objectives, asks questions for clarity, offers insights on additional testing that may be beneficial.
• Works independently with little or no supervision to meet daily objectives.
• Excellent technical report writing skills: Collects & interprets data, and communicates observations to the Packaging Engineers.
• Must be proficient in CAPE, TOPS, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Outlook as well as other general computer skills.
• Must work well in an ambiguous environment, where tasks may change on a daily basis, and the team divides the workload.
• Ability to develop presentations and give lab tours to cross-functional team members and external groups, describing what we do and what specific equipment is capable of testing.
• Trains new hires/interns as they join the company.
• Willing to be flexible with work hours and work overtime.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Full-time employment
• Opportunity to work in the Food & Beverages industry

About the Company

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

For more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.