Careers at Virginia Tech

About Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

More than four decades ago, William H. Sardo, Jr. Pallet and Container Laboratory was constructed to develop state-of-the-art technologies to improve the efficiency of the global distribution by optimizing the unit load and packaging systems. Since its establishment, with industry and government support, Virginia Tech researchers have developed a reliability-based design and analysis methodology related to pallets and unit loads. We are always in the forefront of the innovation; therefore, we are one of the few laboratories who are represented in various committees to develop the new version of ASTM, ISO, ISTA, and ANSI standards. Being part of an academic institution, education of future packaging professionals is one of our main missions. To fulfill this mission, we provide training to many undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable industrial experience through incoming industrial projects; meanwhile, we organize short courses to members of the packaging industry.

Position Summary

The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design is looking for a person with strong managerial and supervisory skills and technical knowledge on package and pallet evaluation techniques.

The individual will be responsible for:
• Evaluating packages, pallets, and unit loads based on ISTA, ASTM, AIAG, ISO standards, and custom testing protocols
• Developing test setups and experimental designs
• Planning, organizing, setting up, and supervising standardized and customized tests
• Coordinating deliveries and shipment of materials
• Conducting data analysis and writing final reports
• Presenting research and testing information in industry and/or scientific conferences
• Ensuring that testing is completed in a timely manner
• Troubleshooting and investigating problems affecting the testing operation
• Assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure effective completion of area functions,
• Assigning, training, and directing personnel
• Coordinating equipment maintenance
• Attaining and maintaining laboratory accreditations
• Fostering collaboration between the different laboratories of the Center
• Teaching an experiential learning class

• Possess a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the mission of the Center
• Master’s degree in wood science, engineering, packaging or related field by date of hire
• Experience with mechanical testing, data acquisition, and data processing
• Ability to analyze testing data and write testing reports
• Proficiency and proclivity for analytical, logical, systematic and statistical thinking.
• Ability to conduct standardized and customized testing related to packaging, pallets, and unit loads
• Ability to provide mentorship and training to graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to work independently
• Experience in testing laboratory or in a manufacturing operation
• Ability to use powered hand tools and wood shop tools
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to direct, lead, and manage graduate students to achieve laboratory objectives.
• Ability to understand a client’s goals and translate them into technical testing requirements.
• Ability to communicate and interface with clients
• Ability to supervise, train, and work directly with students on hands on testing projects.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain VT fork lift driver certification for all powered industrial trucks
• Ability to work on your feet in conditioned and unconditioned spaces
• Demonstrated strong technical writing skills
• Successful applicant must pass conviction check
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel

• Multiple years of work experience in pallet or packaging design and testing
• Demonstrated experience with interacting with and attracting new clients
• Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional certification
• Working knowledge in Lean manufacturing or other continuous improvement methods
• Demonstrated management skills
• Experience with implementing and monitoring lab safety protocols
• Experience advising graduate students or being involved in research projects
• Experience with designing and building complex test setups and testing jigs/fixtures
• Experience with using data collection and analysis using Labview or similar software
• Experience with statistical methods and tools such as JMP or Minitab

Appointment Type

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

December 16, 2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction and driver's check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.