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Thermal Packaging Engineer - Cold Chain
La Vergne, TN Testing and Development Lab (Greater Nashville area)
JOB SUMMARY
The Thermal Packaging Engineer leads and executes cold chain packaging design, testing, and product development activities from EFP's Testing and Development Laboratory in La Vergne, Tennessee.
This role combines hands-on laboratory execution, including thermal testing, pack-outs, and instrumentation, with structured product development practices such as requirements definition, verification and validation, and launch readiness.
The Thermal Packaging Engineer partners closely with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop packaging systems that are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-competitive while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. The role reports to the TDI Laboratory Director.
DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Thermal Performance Engineering and Lab Execution
o Design and execute thermal test plans for cold chain packaging systems, including EPS, EPP, PUR, and VIP-based shippers, as well as fiber insulation systems, gel and PCM refrigerants, and dry ice configurations.
o Run standardized and customer-specific test profiles including ambient, seasonal, and lane-based profiles, ensuring proper instrumentation, calibration verification, and data integrity.
o Perform packaging pack-outs and maintain build documentation including bills of material, assembly instructions, photographs, and test records.
o Analyze thermal performance results and translate data into actionable design improvements related to hold time, risk reduction, cost optimization, and sustainability.
Product Development and Commercialization
o Lead engineering activities within a structured product development or stage-gate process, including requirements definition, feasibility, risk assessment, design iterations, verification and validation, and product release
o Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop packaging systems that are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-competitive
o Support manufacturing transfer activities including specifications, work instructions, process validation, and production launch support
o Develop and maintain engineering and design guidelines related to insulation selection, effective thermal resistance, convection control, void management, and refrigerant conditioning protocols
o Support customer technical engagements, including development of test proposals, preparation of technical summaries, and delivery of performance recommendations
Documentation, Quality, and Continuous Improvement
o Prepare clear and professional technical reports including methods, assumptions, data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations
o Maintain laboratory best practices including equipment care, calibration coordination, organization, safety compliance, and repeatable test execution
o Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to test methods, turnaround time, reporting templates, and knowledge capture
o Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
o Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a closely related engineering field with relevant packaging engineering experience strongly preferred
o Minimum of 3 years of experience in packaging engineering, thermal packaging, cold chain packaging, product development, or package performance testing
o Demonstrated experience in product development from requirements through launch, including prototypes, testing cycles, design revisions, and release documentation
o Working knowledge of thermal packaging fundamentals including heat transfer principles, effective thermal resistance, convection pathways, and refrigerant selection and conditioning
o Experience working with laboratory instrumentation such as thermocouples, data loggers, and thermal chambers, along with basic statistical analysis and data visualization
o Strong technical writing skills with the ability to produce customer-ready reports and internal engineering documentation
o Experience with ISTA-style thermal qualification, cold chain materials, CAD interpretation, or manufacturing transfer is preferred
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
o Travel up to 20% as needed to support training, customer visits, manufacturing validation, and industry events
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
o Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and use of hands and hand-eye coordination
o Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 30 pounds
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
o Safety glasses are required in the laboratory and plant environments
o Hearing protection is required in designated production areas
o Safety or steel-toed shoes are required in the plant environments
o Use of standard laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all EFP safety practices and protocols are required
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