Application Development Engineer - Thermoforming

TOPPAN Packaging Americas

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Application Development Engineer is responsible for creating innovative, functional, and cost-effective thermoformed packaging solutions that meet customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities. This role involves translating customer needs into detailed designs, leveraging CAD software, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development and commercialization. The engineer will focus on optimizing material usage, ensuring product performance, and incorporating sustainability principles while partnering with Commercial Sales and R&D to drive strategic growth initiatives. What you'll be doing: Customer Engagement: Act as the technical liaison for assigned accounts for the development of new products and ensuring timely resolution of technical issues and fostering strong customer relationships. Project Management: Manage end-to-end technical integration of commercial projects, including scope definition, pilot trials, and product performance validation. Specific activities include: Develop and refine thermoformed packaging designs using 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) Translate customer requirements to TOPPAN specifications Maintain strong customer relations and support routine technical service activities Coordinate activities with Sales and other internal & external resources Manufacturing Feasibility: Be the subject matter expert on TOPPAN’s manufacturing assets, evaluate feasibility, select optimal asset utilization, and manage tooling development with external manufacturers to ensure cost and timeline adherence. Materials Expertise: Recommend material solutions based on the application requirements and communicate options effectively to customers and internal stakeholders. Coordinate with R&D engineers/scientists to identify material structures. Innovation & Strategy: Support product innovation initiatives aligned with Food Vertical strategy and contribute to portfolio reviews. Team Leadership: Promote a collaborative, safe work environment to ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures to protect all employees. Engage with others in the Technology organization to achieve target business results. Foster a positive, safe work environment through open communication and an atmosphere of teamwork. This is a remote position located in the CST or EST Time Zones

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial design, or related field.
Strong technical background in thermoplastics with 3-5 years of thermoforming packaging design or plastics engineering.
Proficiency in CAD software and understanding of thermoforming processes.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Results driven; high levels of personal initiative, energy, and ownership for success.
Inquisitive & innovative mindset; actively keeps abreast of new and developing technologies inside and outside of industry.
Strong business acumen and experience in new product development disciplines.
Ability to work well across teams and in a matrixed organization.
Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work equally well with peers and those higher in the organization.
Strong project management skills; well organized; able to manage multiple projects at a detailed level in various stages of progress.
Good judgment and decision-making process.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of food packaging regulations and sustainability practices preferred.
Experience launching new packaging products with major CPG companies with experience trouble-shooting & resolution of customer issues.

Responsibilities

Act as the technical liaison for assigned accounts for the development of new products and ensuring timely resolution of technical issues and fostering strong customer relationships.
Manage end-to-end technical integration of commercial projects, including scope definition, pilot trials, and product performance validation.
Develop and refine thermoformed packaging designs using 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
Translate customer requirements to TOPPAN specifications
Maintain strong customer relations and support routine technical service activities
Coordinate activities with Sales and other internal & external resources
Evaluate feasibility, select optimal asset utilization, and manage tooling development with external manufacturers to ensure cost and timeline adherence.
Recommend material solutions based on the application requirements and communicate options effectively to customers and internal stakeholders.
Coordinate with R&D engineers/scientists to identify material structures.
Support product innovation initiatives aligned with Food Vertical strategy and contribute to portfolio reviews.
Promote a collaborative, safe work environment to ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures to protect all employees.
Engage with others in the Technology organization to achieve target business results.
Foster a positive, safe work environment through open communication and an atmosphere of teamwork.