Product Development Engineer
Reports to: New Product Development Manager | Department: Engineering | Location: Scranton, PA | Pay Type: Salaried, Exempt
About the Role
The Product Development Engineer leads complex product and process development initiatives from concept through commercialization. Operating with a high degree of technical independence, the position applies advanced knowledge of polymer materials, product design, and manufacturing methods to deliver innovative, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions that meet customer and business objectives. The role manages and provides technical direction to project teams and supporting engineers for all stages of product development projects (design, prototyping, validation testing, and production launch). The Product Development Engineer collaborates across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to ensure new products meet performance and regulatory requirements while maintaining manufacturing capability.
This position requires strong project leadership, technical problem-solving, and the ability to balance innovation with cost, quality, and manufacturability. Attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality are essential—reflecting Plaskolite’s core values of Integrity and Improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute new product development projects from concept, design, validation, and production launch with minimal supervision.
- Develop product specifications, technical datasheets, and technical reports to support product commercialization and customer communications.
- Prepare and present NPD Stage-Gate documentation.
- Utilize polymer chemistry and processing expertise to evaluate raw materials, new technologies, and alternative polymers to improve product performance.
- Lead production trial planning, execution, and testing.
- Interpret and document product development results; plan and execute next steps based on results.
- Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to understand customer requirements, market trends, and application needs to propose new product opportunities.
- Lead interactions with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Processing teams to ensure new products can be produced efficiently, reliably, and within quality standards.
- Support scale-up of new materials and products from pilot to full-scale production, including process troubleshooting and optimization.
- Provide technical support to customers and commercial teams for products across the business unit.
- Lead technical discussions with customers and suppliers relating to new products and current product performance.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards related to polymer materials and product manufacturing.
- Perform other engineering and technical duties as assigned by leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science and 5 years of industry experience, or 10 years of related industry experience.
Skills
- Shares advanced engineering and polymer science expertise across Plaskolite.
- Demonstrates strong problem-solving ability, effectively leading product development and cost-saving initiatives to successful completion.
- Leads collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and other groups to support development work and resolve complex issues.
- Makes sound, timely decisions based on data, technical judgment, and business considerations.
- Engages directly with customers to troubleshoot issues, gather insights, and identify unmet technical or performance needs.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for innovation, improvement, or new product development and initiates proposals for new projects.
- Communicates complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences within and outside of Plaskolite.
Benefits
- Sign-On Bonus
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) and Employer Contribution
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Voluntary Life Insurance
Pay
$70,000 - $120,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Schedule
Full-Time
About Plaskolite
Plaskolite is a global leader in manufacturing engineering thermoplastics, including Acrylic, Polycarbonate, ABS, Olefin, and PETG Sheet, Extruded Profiles, and PMMA Polymers. Founded in 1950 by Donald Dunn and family, Plaskolite has a reputation for providing the highest quality products in the industry. Our innovative thermoplastic solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including glazing, safety shields, lighting, signs, and point-of-purchase displays. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities throughout North America and Europe, Plaskolite delivers superior thermoplastic sheet, profiles, and polymers to the world through long-lasting customer relationships and hands-on customer service.