Product Development Engineer

About the Role

The Product Development Engineer reports to the VP of Technology and is responsible for the qualification of films and resins from extrusion through converting and end use.

Responsibilities

• New Product Development and Commercialization
  • Support the product development team in completing customer trial orders
  • Assist R&D in completing laboratory requests
  • Review trial results and assist with the management of customer projects
  • Support external trials at suppliers and customers as needed (travel involved)
• Process Engineering
  • Support manufacturing in new product development activities
  • Recommend formula changes based on analysis of quality data
  • Define production blends for new specifications
  • Lead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues, including root cause definition
• Materials and Suppliers
  • Coordinate trials for alternate suppliers for existing products
  • Lead execution of production formulations for new specifications
• Detailed Position Activities
  • Testing (10%)
    • Complete R&D lab testing proficiently (DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, Microscope)
    • Main contact for competitive analysis
    • Interpretation and communication of results
  • Typical Data Sheets (10%)
    • Using test results, interpret data and develop data sheets for all new product formulations
    • Ensure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176
  • Materials (10%)
    • Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
    • Analyze price/performance to assess total cost
  • Technical Support (25%)
    • Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
    • Key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas
    • Key contact for ensuring slip, white, etc., scale with thickness
    • Main contact for scheduling and sequences of production trials
    • Provide on-site support as needed
  • Fundamental Research (20%)
    • Lead 1-2 development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materials
    • Organize and conduct supplier trials to facilitate DoE completion, analysis, and cost management for R&D
  • Marketing Assistance (10%)
    • Provide data to the R&D team regarding jobs completed monthly
    • Identify formulations by market and end-use
    • Manage formulations for obsolescence
  • Customers (15%)
    • Manage small to medium-sized customer R&D activity as experience/results dictate
    • Support the lead development engineer on customer visits, trials, and project reviews

Key Interactions

• Product Development Manager / VP of Technology
• Quality Manager
• Plant Manager
• Material Suppliers
• Customers

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Polymer Science Engineering, or equivalent
• Advanced technical knowledge and ability to interpret physical property and composition data of polymers
• Ability to troubleshoot plastic processing equipment and related defects in the production of thin films
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with good interpersonal skills
• Self-directed, able to manage multiple projects without significant oversight
• Coachable and open to feedback
• Ability to optimize workflow processes and systems
• Comfortable in a dynamic work environment where projects can shift mid-year

Key Competencies

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions
• Customer Service: Responds promptly to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
• Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; makes timely decisions
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
• Analytical Capability: Demonstrates the ability to work with data accurately and efficiently
• Project Management: Shows initiative to lead and develop an array of projects