Plastics Design Engineer

About the role

Design plastic components for biopharma applications, focusing on injection molding, extrusion, and material qualification. Support design, development, and qualification of plastic films, components, and systems from concept to completion, working closely with R&D, marketing, sales, supply chain, quality, operations, project management, and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative designs for plastic components, focusing on injection‑molded parts and extrusion tubing.
• Lead and participate in product development projects, overseeing prototyping, testing, and optimization of plastic parts.
• Evaluate and select appropriate plastic materials based on application requirements; perform material qualification and document findings.
• Contribute to process improvements in plastics manufacturing, including injection molding, extrusion, and plastics processing.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, qualification protocols, test plans, and reports.
• Travel to customer sites and/or internal Avantor sites to define deliverables, conduct voice‑of‑customer activities, and support project generation.
• Facilitate and participate in daily, weekly, and monthly project check‑in meetings; adjust plans based on feedback to keep projects on schedule.
• Present findings, project outcomes, and value propositions at internal or customer meetings, industry associations, and conferences.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches and new methodologies through literature review and discussions.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering & Technology, Polymer Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in plastics engineering, plastics manufacturing, or related responsibilities, preferably in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Knowledge of injection molding, extrusion, and various polymer processing techniques.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Skilled in preparing and maintaining qualification documents (protocols, test plans, technical reports).
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and able to collaborate effectively within an R&D team.
• Proficient in CAD and 3D modeling/design software (SolidWorks or comparable).
• Well‑versed in extrusion operations (including film extrusion) and comprehensive plastics processing.
• Experienced in material property analysis and selection of engineered plastics.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, presentation, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to interpret written, verbal, and diagrammatic information.
• Strong sense of urgency, initiative, and drive for results.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.

Benefits

• Employee stock purchase program
• 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states offering paid family leave)
• Volunteer time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with company match
• 11 paid holidays
• 18 PTO days accrued annually

Pay

Expected pre‑tax pay range: $86,000.00 – $138,000.00

Schedule

Full‑time, onsite position at Avantor’s Innovation and Technology Center in Bridgewater, NJ; requires up to 20% travel to customer sites.