Packaging & Materials Development Engineer

Hydropac Ltd
, part of the Bunzl PLC Group

High Wycombe | Site-based with cross‑functional project work

Hydropac is looking for a practical, curious and self‑motivated Packaging & Materials Development Engineer to help develop, test and improve our temperature‑controlled packaging systems.

This is a hands‑on applied development role focused on turning customer and internal requirements into commercially viable cold‑chain packaging solutions. The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from initial brief through to testing, validation, documentation and handover, working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Commercial and supplier teams.

You will be responsible for developing and improving packaging systems for food, pharmaceutical, pet food, e‑commerce and direct‑to‑consumer applications. This will include insulated packaging systems, gel packs, water‑based packs, liners, films, pouches and other packaging components.

The role involves evaluating materials, designing and conducting practical testing, interpreting results, producing technical documentation and supporting product development from concept into manufacturable, sellable and scalable solutions.

• Take ownership of packaging and materials development projects from brief through to validation and handover.
• Develop and improve temperature‑controlled packaging systems, including insulated shippers, liners, gel packs, water‑based packs and related components.
• Evaluate new materials such as films, laminates, liners, insulation materials, paper‑based products, foams, absorbents, gels and phase change materials.
• Design and conduct practical testing, including thermal testing, freeze/thaw testing, stability testing, transit simulations and comparative product trials.
• Produce clear technical reports, specifications, test records and development summaries to support internal decisions and customer requirements.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality and Commercial teams to ensure new developments are practical to manufacture and commercially deliver.
• Support innovation projects linked to sustainable packaging, recyclable or compostable materials, lower‑impact solutions and advanced thermal‑control products.
• The Full Job description and responsibilities will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

We are looking for someone who is practical, analytical and comfortable working hands‑on with products, materials, testing and factory trials. You will be able to work independently, take accountability for your workload and drive projects forward without needing to be chased.

Relevant experience could come from packaging development, materials science, product development, packaging testing, insulated packaging, polymers, paper‑based materials, food or pharmaceutical packaging, cold‑chain systems, chemical engineering or formulation development.

• Experience in packaging development, materials development, product development, packaging testing, materials science, polymer/materials testing, cold‑chain packaging or a closely related field.
• Strong practical problem‑solving skills and the ability to turn technical ideas into workable product solutions.
• Good technical documentation skills, including accurate test reports, trial summaries, project files and development records.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with production, engineering, quality, commercial and supplier teams.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on environment, including sample builds, testing and factory trials.
• Experience with insulated packaging, cold‑chain systems, food, pharmaceutical or e‑commerce packaging.
• Knowledge of thermal testing, environmental chamber testing, transit testing or product validation.
• Understanding of sustainable packaging materials, recyclability, compostability, Life Cycle Analysis, EPR considerations or evidence‑based environmental claims.
• Exposure to polymer films, paper‑based materials, foams, gels, absorbents, adhesives, laminates, phase change materials or eutectic systems.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Product Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical…