Product Design Engineer - Film & Converting (5211)

Pregis•Bethel, PA

About The Position

Product Design Engineer Anderson, SCPosition DescriptionReporting to the VP of Technology, the Product Design Engineer will be responsible for key customer(s) main contact for research and development projects, providing key commercial and customer support for new product development projects, and insuring qualification of films and resins from extrusion, through converting, and end use. Job Tasks and ResponsibilitiesNew Product Development and CommercializationInteract with customers to define film needs and design products to meet customer critical to quality objectivesFollow development trials for key customersManage key customer projects and communication for all projects for R&D teamSupport external trials and customers and suppliers (travel involved)Process EngineeringLead key process installations and upgrades to insure R&D objectives are metSupport manufacturing in completion of new product development activitiesProvide backup R&D coverage for development engineers as neededLead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues, root cause definitionMaterials and SuppliersAssess new materials from resin suppliers, providing guidance to develop engineers, to identify consolidation and/or new market opportunities.Key InteractionsCustomersProduct Development Manager/VP of TechnologySalesQuality ManagerPlant ManagerMaterial SuppliersRequired Education and Experience and SkillsRequired: Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Polymer Science Engineering, or equivalentAdvanced technical knowledge. Ability to interpret physical property and composition data of polymers.Ability to troubleshoot plastic processing equipment and related defects in the production of thin filmsMust be able to successfully interact and communicate with others.Self-Directed – able to manage multiple projects without significant oversightCoachable and open to feedbackAbility to optimize workflow processes and systemsA strong verbal and written communication skills are a must along with good interpersonal skills.Comfortable in a dynamic work environment where projects can shift mid-year.Key CompetenciesProblem solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutionsCustomer service - responds promptly to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitmentsJudgment - displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; makes timely decisionsPlanning/organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficientlyQuality - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughnessAnalytical capability – demonstrates the ability to work with data accurately and efficientlyProject management – shows initiative to lead and develop an array of projectsDetailed Position ActivitiesMaterials (10%)Provide support to engineering positions on R&D team in development of understanding of key materials in portfolioDevelop cost savings initiatives for additives and resins and support corporate purchasing in identification of key alternate suppliersTechnical Support (15%)Provide directions to R&D engineers regarding trial prioritizationFollow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teamsFundamental Research (25%)Lead major development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materialsProvide guidance and thought leadership. to R&D engineers on fundamental research projectsDevelop key supplier trial plans and guidance to team on execution of trials and evaluation of resultsCustomers (50%)Responsible for leading development for key account(s) and qualification of solution based packaging designsLead commercial prioritization for key account projects and provide support to sales team on costing, pricing, and bids.Prioritize, communicate and organize long term key account projects to management teamProvide customer support for all qualification trials, project reviews, and commercial account growth strategies.#PPF1

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Polymer Science Engineering, or equivalent
Advanced technical knowledge. 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
Must be able to successfully interact and communicate with others.
Self-Directed – able to manage multiple projects without significant oversight
Coachable and open to feedback
Ability to optimize workflow processes and systems
A strong verbal and written communication skills are a must along with good interpersonal skills.
Comfortable in a dynamic work environment where projects can shift mid-year.
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

Responsibilities

Interact with customers to define film needs and design products to meet customer critical to quality objectives
Follow development trials for key customers
Manage key customer projects and communication for all projects for R&D team
Support external trials and customers and suppliers (travel involved)
Lead key process installations and upgrades to insure R&D objectives are met
Support manufacturing in completion of new product development activities
Provide backup R&D coverage for development engineers as needed
Lead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues, root cause definition
Assess new materials from resin suppliers, providing guidance to develop engineers, to identify consolidation and/or new market opportunities
Provide support to engineering positions on R&D team in development of understanding of key materials in portfolio
Develop cost savings initiatives for additives and resins and support corporate purchasing in identification of key alternate suppliers
Provide directions to R&D engineers regarding trial prioritization
Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
Lead major development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materials
Provide guidance and thought leadership. to R&D engineers on fundamental research projects
Develop key supplier trial plans and guidance to team on execution of trials and evaluation of results
Responsible for leading development for key account(s) and qualification of solution based packaging designs
Lead commercial prioritization for key account projects and provide support to sales team on costing, pricing, and bids
Prioritize, communicate and organize long term key account projects to management team
Provide customer support for all qualification trials, project reviews, and commercial account growth strategies