Sample Technician Lead

About TemperPack

TemperPack is a rapidly growing company based in Richmond, Virginia.  We design and manufacture innovative, sustainable packaging components for cold-chain shipping of food and pharmaceutical products.  The markets we serve have an urgent need for disruptive, sustainable alternatives to replace the wide array of non-sustainable packaging materials conventionally used in the cold-chain such as Styrofoam coolers.  Our aspiration is to provide packaging solutions that customers and end-consumers feel great about using.

Role: Sample Technician Lead

Reports to: Packaging Engineering Manager

Business Unit: Packaging Engineering

FLSA: Exempt

Role Summary:

The Sample Lab Lead will be responsible for the daily operations of the sample production lab, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of product prototypes for internal testing and customer demonstrations. This role will work alongside the Sample Technician(s), oversee the sample request system, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement in sample production processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong organizational skills, technical aptitude, and a passion for sustainability and innovation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Mentor Sample Technician(s), providing training, guidance, and performance feedback
• Prioritize and manage the Sample Request System (SRS) to ensure timely fulfillment of requests
• Oversee the construction, quality control, and shipment of product samples
• Collaborate with Sales, R&D, and Packaging Engineering teams to align sample production with business needs
• Maintain inventory of raw materials and coordinate procurement with production and supply chain teams
• Ensure lab safety, cleanliness, and compliance with company policies
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability
• Support thermal testing and packaging design efforts as needed
• Track and report key performance metrics related to sample production
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sample-related inquiries and escalation

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in a lab, manufacturing, or packaging environment
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• ISTA CTP I certification (or willingness to obtain within 6 months)

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience with hand and power tools; CAD or packaging design software is a plus
• Ability to lead by example, in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement

Physical Requirements:

• Be on your feet for up to 8 hours
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Able to reach, bend, kneel and climb while performing repetitive tasks
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments
• Able to correctly wear PPE for entire shifts
• Able to react and respond quickly to noises, smells, visual hazards, and alerts

*Important notice:

At this time, our company will not be engaging with external agencies or third-party vendors for recruitment services. We appreciate the interest of recruitment agencies, but kindly request that they refrain from contacting us regarding potential candidates. We are excited to build our internal recruitment capabilities and establish direct relationships with potential hires.

TemperPack provides Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a covered veteran/reservist, and any other class of protected individuals, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Our company  uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.