Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet
We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.
You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together.
We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.
Job Summary
The Laboratory Materials Analyst is responsible for the execution of comprehensive materials and product testing within the Paperboard TAPPI Lab, supporting advanced problem-solving and product development initiatives for both existing and new paperboard product lines. This role requires a strong foundation in material science and proven expertise in developing and managing testing protocols for a diverse set of materials, including paperboard, plastic components (such as lids, fitments, valves), adhesives, and membrane materials. The role encompasses full-package evaluation to ensure products meet rigorous functional and “fit for use” standards. The Analyst is responsible for establishing and understanding testing requirements, interpreting results, and providing expert technical recommendations.
Essential Functions
Testing & Analysis
- Plan and execute materials and product testing for paperboard and related packaging materials, adhering to established protocols and standards.
- Collaborate with Product Development Engineers and other stakeholders to clarify testing needs, define problem statements, recommend appropriate test methodologies, and perform relevant analyses within designated project timelines.
- Operate and maintain lab equipment commonly used in TAPPI lab (e.g., Instron, COF tester, smoothness meter, deflection apparatus, moisture analyzers, etc.).
- Investigate product performance inconsistencies by conducting root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions as appropriate.
- Interpret test results, identify anomalies or errors, and conduct follow-up experiments as necessary to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Develop and validate new testing methods to address unique or novel product challenges.
Data Interpretation & Communication
- Utilize the Lab Evaluation Database to accurately document experimental data and communicate findings clearly through reports, graphs, and presentations to both internal teams and project stakeholders, meeting all required deadlines.
- Present technical findings, recommendations, and conclusions to internal stakeholders.
- Apply statistical and analytical methods for comprehensive data analysis and effective problem-solving.
Project & Process Management
- Manage Innovation Lab activities and associated project tasks related to material qualification and package development, including oversight of timelines, budgets, and effective communications with relevant parties.
- Develop, author, and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs) for testing, quality control, new product development, and qualification activities.
- Coordinate with external laboratories or consultants for specialized or complex analyses not available internally.
Other
- Maintain an organized and safe laboratory environment in accordance with 5S principles, ensuring all equipment is properly calibrated and hazardous materials are safely stored.
- Assist with other assignments and duties as needed.
Job Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Material Science, or a related scientific field, OR an Associate’s degree with significant, relevant industry experience.
- Minimum of 2 years’ laboratory experience using analytical and problem-solving skills in an R&D function; at least 2 years in a TAPPI lab or similar environment preferred.
- Working knowledge of statistical process analysis and experimental design.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data clearly.
- Strong capability for independent work and management of multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred
- 4 years’ experience in packaging or associated materials R&D highly desirable.
- Must be able to work in a laboratory environment for up to 8 hours per day and interact professionally with colleagues as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unaided on occasion.
- Capable of sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs regularly.
- Ability to perform computer based and written communication tasks on a daily basis.
- Predominantly office/laboratory environment with controlled conditions, with occasional necessity to access manufacturing areas.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environment
- Standard work hours are on-site, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; may require occasional after-hours or weekend work to complete projects on time.
- Occasional travel as needed, up to 10%.
Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Material Science, or related field (or Associate's with significant industry experience)
- Minimum of 2 years' laboratory experience in an R&D function
- Working knowledge of statistical process analysis and experimental design
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical data
- Strong capability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently
- Experience in a TAPPI lab or similar environment
- 4 years' experience in packaging or associated materials R&D
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Huhtamaki Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Huhtamaki and has not been reviewed or approved by Huhtamaki.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive with dental and vision options, and employer contributions toward premiums are portrayed as generous. Feedback suggests this breadth makes the overall package feel competitive for many roles.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options, with certain groups also having access to a pension and even deferred compensation. Feedback suggests these features stand out positively in a manufacturing context.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, paid holidays, and generous parental leave are emphasized alongside meaningful PTO accruals. Feedback suggests this leave structure strengthens perceived total rewards even where base pay is viewed as only fair.
Huhtamaki Insights
What We Do
Huhtamaki is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste. We embed sustainability in everything we do. We are committed to achieving carbon neutral production and designing all our products to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030. We are a participant in the UN Global Compact and EcoVadis has awarded Huhtamaki with the Gold medal for performance in sustainability. To play our part in managing climate change, we have set science-based targets that have been approved and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. With 100 years of history and a strong Nordic heritage we operate in 37 countries and 103 operating locations around the world. Our values Care Dare Deliver guide our decisions and help our team of around 18 000 employees make a difference where it matters. Our 2023 net sales totaled EUR 4.2 billion. Huhtamaki Group is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and our parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Find out more about how we are protecting food, people and the planet on www.huhtamaki.com
