Application Development Engineer

About the role

The Application Development Engineer for the Flexibles Division is the main technical contact between the customer and TOPPAN. This position is responsible for all development and technical service activities at assigned accounts/markets. The packaging technology team is constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to develop packaging solutions that are cost-effective, product-safety compliant, more sustainable, and satisfy customers’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Commercial Team to identify and successfully commercialize flexible packaging opportunities at targeted accounts.
• Lead technical activities to expand sales of existing structures, develop new flexible packaging structures, drive productivity, and improve product performance.
• Build and maintain strong technical customer relations.
• Translate customer requirements to TOPPAN specifications and develop manufacturing instructions.
• Ensure portfolio is aligned with the business priorities and the needs of the customer.
• Manage projects including defining project success criteria, drawing conclusions based on data and science, making technical recommendations, and executing throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and lead pilot, production, and filling/packing trials.
• Publish trial reports for internal and/or external distribution.
• Coordinate activities to accomplish tasks using available internal and external resources.
• Provide routine technical service activity.
• Prepare written and verbal presentations, project plans, updates, and periodic reports for internal and external use.
• Travel domestically and internationally to manufacturing plants, suppliers, customers, conferences, and other innovation partners.
• Maintain complete and accurate work records, including documentation for intellectual property protection.

Requirements

• Strong material science knowledge (OPP, PET, PE films, Nylon, paper, and foil laminations).
• Experience with new product development, flexible packaging applications, project management, and customer relationships.
• Experience in key growth areas in food packaging such as baked goods, confections, biscuits/cookies, sweet and salty snacks, granola.
• Bachelor of Science; preferably in Engineering, Food Science, Packaging, or Plastics related field.
• 2-5 years of Flexible Packaging Product Development and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of typical flexible converting processes including printing (roto/flexo), laminating (adhesive and extrusion), coating, slitting, pouching and form/fill/seal conversion.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement