Product Development Engineer III
About The Position
This role is responsible for developing and commercializing new flexible packaging (such as lidding structures and pouch substrates) and closure liner structures, and improving the performance of existing structures in accordance with meeting or exceeding the company's overall financial targets, goals (tied with organic growth and business continuity) and strategies. The Product Development Engineer reports to the Director of Product Development. The focus is to support business growth through the development of new and/or improved flexible packaging and liner structures, and establishment of quality requirements. Responsible for all aspects of new product development: design, costing, development, trial run supervision, scale-up, documentation, communication, project management, and technology transfer to the plant floor for effective commercialization. Ensures products are commercialized in accordance with Quality, Product Safety and Regulatory standards. Prepares written technical reports and recommendations summarizing findings for external customers and internal client groups. Maintains industry contact (raw material and equipment suppliers) and awareness of flexible packaging materials, converting processes, and packaging equipment.
Requirements
- Occasional overnight travel by various modes of transportation including airline, train, and automobile as deemed appropriate
- Able to work extended hours as required
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
- Continuous contact with other people requiring communications via face-to-face, orally by telephone and various written methodologies
- BS degree in technical scientific field or Engineering with minimum 3 years of progressive experience or Associate degree in technical field with minimum 4 years of progressive experience
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in flexible packaging or related industry
- History of creative and innovative flexible packaging product development
- Strong material knowledge, in particular packaging substrates (paper, foil, and film), extrusion resins, adhesives, and coatings
- Experience in flexible packaging manufacturing processes (printing, coating, adhesive lamination, and extrusion lamination)
- Capable of understanding and using analytical (infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, etc) and physical test methods; experience interpreting results and using that information to drive product development
- Hands on experience performing routine physical tests (heat-seal, tensile, COF, burst, etc); experience interpreting results and using that information to drive product development
- Testing method development and test protocol (SOP) writing (if/as necessary)
- Excellent, demonstrated project management skills; able to manage multiple tasks within time constraints and deliver required outcomes
- 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
Responsibilities
- In collaboration with our customers, and internal Sales and Marketing, leads the creation and development of new flexible packaging and closure liner products
- Engages with internal Production and Process Engineering to implement enhancements to existing products to meet customer requirements
- Oversees the production of new test materials, and directs the coordination of subsequent lab tests
- Effectively manages product development activities with cross-functional counterparts
- Maintains contact with raw material suppliers and identify, evaluate, and recommend new materials for improved product performance
- Prepares cost estimates for new and/or improved flexible packaging and liner structures
- Prepares raw material specifications and revisions
- Creates and modifies finished goods recipes for experimental products
- Documents and communicates trial requirements internally (Sales/customer service, Operations, Marketing and Procurement)
- Documents trial results accurately and in a timely manner in Lotus Notes Trial Request Database.
- Works effectively across all levels of the organization from senior leadership and local management, to hourly associates.
- Obtains and disseminates information on competitive products (structure breakdowns) and perform comparative analyses with the company’s equivalent
- As required, provides assistance in the field to customers and other company representatives in the successful conversion of customers to Tekni-plex products, or in solving performance problems with existing products
- Interacts with customer package development, operation and quality personnel to identify and resolve product performance issues
- Prepares written technical reports and presentations for customers
- Maintain awareness of standard test methods and procedures
- Continue personal development through training to enhance market knowledge, techniques and skills
- Maintains and protects proprietary information as it relates to the company and customers
- Maintains the company reputation by complying with governmental regulations
- Adheres to all safety rules
- Other reasonable realted duties as deemed appropriate
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
