R&D Materials and Systems Engineer
3 days ago
High Wycombe
Job Title: R&D Materials and Systems Engineer Company: Hydropac Ltd, part of the Bunzl Group Location: High Wycombe, UK (Occasional Travel to Netherlands) Company Overview Hydropac Ltd, part of the Bunzl Group, is a leading innovator in temperature-controlled packaging solutions. We are transitioning from a traditional ice pack supplier into a system-led cold chain solutions provider, delivering integrated packaging systems across food, pharmaceutical, and D2C markets. Role Overview We are seeking a hands-on, commercially aware R&D Materials & Systems Engineer to join our team in High Wycombe. This is a high-impact role responsible for developing and delivering integrated cold chain packaging systems from concept through to full-scale commercialisation. The role requires a balance of: • Technical expertise (materials, PCM, packaging systems), • Manufacturing awareness (scale, process, constraints) Key Responsibilities 1. Laboratory Management & Development • Oversee and develop Hydropac’s laboratory facilities in High Wycombe, • Conduct and expand: Climate chamber testing, multi-scenario testing, ISTA and AFNOR transport validation, • Develop structured and repeatable test methodologies and protocols, • Lead progression of the laboratory towards ISTA accreditation (target within 2 years), • Ensure laboratory capability supports real-world simulation, not just theoretical performance 2. Packaging & System Development • Design and develop integrated cold chain packaging systems, including: PCM / gel / water-based coolants, Insulation materials and outer packaging formats, • Move beyond component design to deliver complete system solutions, • Develop and optimise Phase Change Materials (PCM) and alternative technologies, • Translate customer requirements into engineered, scalable solutions, • Ensure all developments are: Manufacturable, cost-effective and Fit for real-world distribution. 3. End-to-End Product Ownership • Own development from concept → prototype → testing → production → customer rollout, • Support customer onboarding and implementation, • Drive post-launch performance optimisation, • Ensure solutions deliver both: Technical performance and commercial viability 4. Sustainability Initiatives • Lead development of environmentally sustainable packaging solutions, • Research and implement alternatives to traditional gel-based systems, • Develop, define and implement Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for products, • Support compliance with: CSR commitments and EPR regulations, • Contribute to Hydropac’s sustainability positioning and product narrative 5. Quality Assurance & Validation • Ensure all packaging solutions meet required quality and performance standards, • Develop and maintain: Test protocols, validation documentation and performance reporting, • Implement structured validation frameworks for new products, • Ensure consistency between lab performance and production reality, • Updating and Providing - Product Specification Sheets, MSDS, Customer Sign Off Sheets, etc, • Responsible for regular and regulatory test and inspection of materials, products, water etc 6. Manufacturing Integration & Root Cause Analysis • Work closely with Operations to ensure designs are scalable and manufacturable, • Lead root cause analysis of: Product failures (e.g. leakage, rupture, thermal drift) and production inefficiencies, • Feed learnings back into: Product design and process improvement, • Support improvements in: Yield, waste reduction and operational efficiency 7. Market Expansion & Customer Engagement • Work closely with commercial teams to identify: Market needs and customer challenges, • Provide technical support for sales activities, including Customer presentations and solution development, • Engage directly with customers to develop tailored packaging systems, • Contribute to strategies to increase market share and customer retention 8. Supplier & External Collaboration • Identify and evaluate new materials, technologies, and suppliers, • Work with strategic partners to develop and scale innovations, • Support sourcing decisions with technical validation and risk assessment, • Maintain awareness of market developments and emerging technologies 9. Reporting & Analysis • Report directly to senior management on: Product development progress, Innovation pipeline and market and technology trends, • Prepare and present: Technical reports and strategic recommendations, • Support data-driven decision making across R&D and commercial teams 10. Innovation & Intellectual Property • Identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation, • Support development of: new formulations, proprietary systems and patent opportunities, • Contribute to Hydropac’s long-term innovation roadmap Objectives • Develop and commercialise new system-led packaging solutions, • Achieve ISTA laboratory accreditation within 2 years, • Improve product performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability, • Expand Hydropac’s capability in pharmaceutical and high-performance markets, • Strengthen Hydropac’s position as a technical leader in cold chain packaging Personal Qualities • Hands-on, pragmatic, and solution-focused, • Commercially aware with strong business understanding, • Strong problem-solving and analytical capability, • Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams, • Self-starter with ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, • High level of integrity and professionalism Professional Qualifications & Experience Essential • Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or similar, • 2yrs+ Experience in manufacturing-led product development and an industrial environment, • Strong understanding of: Polymers, Gels / PCM and flexible materials, • Experience with testing and validation methodologies, • Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving capability Desirable • Experience in temperature-controlled / cold chain packaging, • Knowledge of ISTA and AFNOR standards, • Climate chamber testing experience, • CAD or thermal modelling experience, • Exposure to LCA / sustainability frameworks / EPR, • Experience contributing to IP or product innovation Benefits • Competitive salary, • Performance-based bonus, • Contributory pension plan, • Career development within Bunzl Group, • Opportunity to work with European operations (Netherlands) Why Join Hydropac Ltd • Be part of a business transitioning to system-led innovation, • Work on products that go directly into real-world use, • Influence product strategy, not just execution, • Contribute to next-generation sustainable packaging solutions, • Be part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to innovation and sustainability., • Work in a laboratory with cutting-edge technologies., • Collaborate with a talented and passionate team committed to making a positive environmental impact., • Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits as part of the Bunzl Group., • Hydropac Ltd is an equal opportunity employer., • We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience. • 1st Phase interviews will be conducted via online video interview/screening., • 2nd Phase interviews in person Join us at Hydropac Ltd and be a part of a team that is not only shaping the future of packaging but also making a significant impact on sustainability and environmental responsibility.