Development Engineer II

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. • North Kingstown, RI

68d

About The Position

This position is responsible for supporting and leading new development projects involving value‑added film technologies across all manufacturing processes at the plant. The role works closely with sales and marketing teams to translate end‑user requirements into innovative product solutions using Toray’s polypropylene (Torayfan®) and polyester (Lumirror®) films. The ideal candidate has a broad technical background encompassing polymers, materials, chemistry, and engineering. The individual will work on projects that require strong analytical skills, creativity, and initiative. Responsibilities involve solving complex technical problems, evaluating multifaceted project variables, and making informed recommendations with limited precedent. The engineer will interact with customers to understand performance needs and validate new product development. The ideal candidate is not expected to possess all the answers from the outset; however, they should demonstrate curiosity, resourcefulness, and the determination to develop, refine, and execute a clear path toward effective solutions.

Requirements

• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, stakeholders, and timelines
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving abilities, including developing and executing structured approaches toward technical solutions
• Hands‑on aptitude with a willingness to engage directly in experimental work including film testing, trial preparation, material coordination, and practical tasks necessary to advance project goals
• Experience or aptitude for working cross‑functionally with production, warehouse, quality, logistics, and commercial teams
• Ability to manage and enter technical data accurately into business or manufacturing systems (e.g., SAP, PlantApps, or similar) and interpret system outputs related to inventory, orders, and product setup
• Strong organizational skills to ensure materials, equipment, and documentation are prepared for trials both on-site and off-site
• Experience with or willingness to learn experimental design methodologies (including DOE)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Capacity to research and evaluate new technologies or equipment to support product development and production enhancements
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, development trials, and industry events (5–10%)
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Plastics, Materials Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with polymers, films, or materials-based manufacturing or R&D
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to independently research, learn, and determine the correct approach when answers are not immediately available
• Curiosity, persistence, and a problem‑solving mindset to identify, validate, and apply the appropriate solution path

Nice To Haves

• Experience in film processing, coatings, or related technologies preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and support technical projects related to the development of value‑added PET or OPP films for specific markets or customers
• Drive new product development from initial research through scale‑up and commercialization
• Plan and execute pilot trials both on‑site and off‑site
• Plan and support production trials in collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams
• Apply a hands‑on, practical approach to experimental work including film testing, troubleshooting, and trial execution
• Perform cross-functional tasks necessary to advance project objectives, including preparing and entering product data into internal systems, coordinating materials, and ensuring readiness for production and trial activities
• Support logistics required for trial execution and customer deliveries, which may include handling materials, packaging samples, or working with warehouse personnel to stage and move product
• Conduct research and support qualification of new equipment and technologies to enable new products or improve production capabilities
• Utilize business systems (e.g., SAP) to manage inventory, create or monitor orders, and ensure proper flow of materials and documentation to support development activities
• Travel as needed to conduct trial work at pilot and customer locations
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies that may benefit Toray’s businesses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level