Development Engineer I

TekniPlex•Winston Salem, NC

12h•Onsite

About The Position

TekniPlex is seeking a highly motivated Development Engineer I to join our Flexible Packaging Product Development team in Winston-Salem, NC. This entry-level engineering position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative flexible packaging solutions and support their commercialization from concept through full-scale production. In this collaborative role, you will be working closely with experienced Product Development Engineers, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Procurement, Operations, Regulatory, and customers. The successful candidate will participate in the design, development, testing, validation, scale-up, and commercialization of flexible packaging structures – lidding substrates, pouching substrate, closure liner – for a variety of applications including consumer products, food & beverage, healthcare, and industrial applications.

Requirements

Up to 15% overnight travel may be required.
Able to work extended hours as required.
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Ability to effectively communicate in-person or virtual, oral and written.
Bachelor’s Degree in: Chemical Engineering (preferred), Materials Science (preferred), Packaging Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Other Engineering or related scientific discipline.
1–3 years of engineering or product development experience in flexible packaging, converting, packaging materials, or related industries.
Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or industrial experience in flexible packaging is highly desirable.
Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Materials: Polymer films, Paper, Aluminum foil, Extrusion resins, Adhesives, Coatings, Sealant technologies, and Sustainable and recyclable packaging structures.
Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Processes: Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion, and Web handling and converting operations.
Basic project management skills with the ability to navigate complex projects through a global organization, while managing risk, contingency plans, timeline, and results.
Capable of understanding and using analytical (infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, etc) and mechanical/physical test methods; experience with statistical analysis and experimental design and interpreting results and using that information to drive product development.
Hands on experience performing routine physical tests (heat-seal, tensile, COF, barrier, burst, peel.etc); experience interpreting results and using that information to drive product development.
Testing method development and test protocol (SOP) writing (if/as necessary).
Knowledge of product development Stage/Gate process, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma methodology, Statistical Analysis (e.g. Minitab) and execution of the same.
Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Capable of communicating with customers and operations personnel under stressful or adverse conditions.
Proven ability to work with minimal direction, analytical thinking, and problem solving ability.
Proficient computer literacy with established basic knowledge in general applications; word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and ERP systems.

Nice To Haves

Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or industrial experience in flexible packaging is highly desirable.
Use of Minitab a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of new flexible packaging structures from concept through commercialization.
Design materials configuration in order to develop flexible packaging structures to meet performance, manufacturing, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives.
Supervise pilot and production line trials; generate technical recommendations based on laboratory, pilot, and production trial results.
Document trial results accurately and in a timely manner in Lotus Notes Trial Request Database.
Maintain contact with raw material suppliers and identify, evaluate, and recommend new materials for improved performance or reduced cost.
Use ERP system to create raw materials part code, finished goods recipes.
Conduct engineering cost calculations (costing) and provide to the pricing analyst.
Coordinate production trials and assist in scale-up activities to commercial production.
Prepare technical reports summarizing development work, trial results, conclusions, and recommendations.
Work with Operations to optimize manufacturability and process capability.
As required, provide assistance in the field to customers and other company representatives in the successful conversion of customers to new products.
Conduct laboratory testing of flexible packaging materials including Seal strength and peel force, Lamination bond strength, Coefficient of friction (COF), Mechanical properties such as Burst strength, Barrier properties, Microscopy, and Product compatibility testing.
Analyze test data and communicate findings clearly.
Conduct statistical analysis using Excel. Use of Minitab a plus.
Maintain laboratory data files and technical documentation.
Write and execute Trial and Test plan involving flexible packaging converting operations including Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion processes, and Paper, polymer film, and aluminum foil converting.
Support investigations related to Material and substrate performance, Process capability, Product quality (Critical to Quality – CTQ), Manufacturing efficiency, and Customer technical issues.
Work closely with: Product Development Team members, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Operations (logistics, supply chain, other operations functions), Equipment suppliers, Raw material suppliers, Customers.