Companies you'll love to work for

Job Description

Job Summary
The Lab Technician supports product development activities at the Liquibox R&D Technology Center in Ashland, Ohio, helping deliver reliable packaging solutions that meet customer needs. This role sets up and conducts application and performance tests, operates and maintains packaging and laboratory equipment, collects and documents test data, and prepares samples and prototypes. The role collaborates with Technology, Sales, Marketing, Operations, customers, and suppliers to support material evaluations, competitive analysis, product and packaging trials, scale-up activities, and solution rollouts. The successful candidate will be hands-on, safety-minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with both laboratory and production equipment. Working knowledge of packaging materials and a desire to build expertise in flexible packaging are important for success. Experience with fitmented packaging products is preferred.

Key Responsibilities
Testing & Laboratory Operations
• Set up and conduct application and performance testing to evaluate new and existing materials under representative, real-world conditions.
• Operate laboratory and packaging equipment to evaluate materials, products, and processes in accordance with established methods.
• Collect, organize, and accurately document test conditions, observations, and results.
• Support competitive product analysis and maintain test samples and records.

Equipment, Samples & Technical Support
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, cleaning, and upkeep of testing instruments and laboratory equipment.
• Create samples and prototypes to support product development, Sales, Marketing, and customer evaluations.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and summaries of test results.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and support basic root-cause analysis under appropriate guidance.

Product Development, Safety & Collaboration
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development, trials, scale-up, implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Support customer trials, in-plant activities, customer training, field evaluations, and solution rollouts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and promptly report safety, quality, equipment, or process concerns to supervision.
• Travel up to 20% for field trials, customer and supplier visits, meetings, training, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification, or equivalent relevant hands-on experience in a packaging laboratory, manufacturing, or technical environment.
• Experience operating laboratory and/or production equipment and following defined test methods or work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new equipment, materials, and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, laboratory organization, and accurate documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Customer-focused mindset, reliability, and ability to achieve results with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with flexible packaging materials, fitmented packaging products, and/or packaging test equipment.
• Experience creating prototypes, supporting product trials, or performing competitive product analysis.
• Familiarity with equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting or root-cause analysis.

What Success Looks Like
1. Complete assigned testing safely, accurately, and on schedule.
2. Produce clear, complete, and reliable test data and supporting documentation.
3. Maintain equipment, instruments, samples, and work areas in a ready-to-use condition.
4. Provide responsive, high-quality support for prototypes, trials, scale-up activities, and customer evaluations.
5. Build technical capability while contributing positively to a collaborative, customer-focused laboratory team.

Benefits and Perks

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid elder care
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance