Product Development Engineer

Pregis•Anderson, SC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Pregis is hiring a Product Development Engineer in Anderson, SC. This role reports to the VP of Technology and is responsible for all qualification of films and resins from extrusion, through converting, and end use. The engineer will support the product development team in completing customer trial orders, assist R&D with laboratory requests, review trial results, and manage customer projects. They will also support external trials at suppliers and customers, which involves travel. The role includes process engineering responsibilities such as supporting manufacturing in new product development activities, recommending formula changes based on quality data analysis, and defining production blends for new specifications. Additionally, the engineer will lead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues and define root causes. They will coordinate trials for alternate suppliers and lead the execution of production formulations for new specifications.

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
Complete R&D lab testing proficiently – DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, Microscope
Main contact for competitive analysis
Interpretation and communication of results
Using test results, interpret data and develop data sheets for all new product formulations
Insure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176
Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
Analyze price/performance to assess total cost
Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
Key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas
Key contact for insuring slip, white, etc., scale with thickness
Main contact for scheduling and sequences of Production trials
Provide on site support as needed
Lead 1-2 development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materials
Organize and conduct supplier trials to facilitate DoE completion, analysis, and cost management for R&D
Provide data to R&D team with regard to jobs completed monthly
Identify formulations by market and end-use
Manage formulations for obsolence
As experience/results dictate, manage small to medium size customer R&D activity
Support lead development engineer on customer visits, trials and project reviews

Responsibilities

Support product development team in completion of customer trial orders
Assist R&D in completion of laboratory requests
Review trial results as needed and assist with the management of customer projects
Support external trials at suppliers and customers as needed (travel involved)
Support manufacturing in completion of new product development activities
Recommend formula changes based on analysis of quality data
Define production blends for new specifications
Lead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues, root cause definition
Coordinate trials for alternate suppliers for existing products
Lead execution of production formulations for new specifications
Complete R&D lab testing proficiently – DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, Microscope
Interpret data and develop data sheets for all new product formulations
Insure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176
Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
Analyze price/performance to assess total cost
Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
Key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas
Key contact for insuring slip, white, etc., scale with thickness
Main contact for scheduling and sequences of Production trials
Provide on site support as needed
Lead 1-2 development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materials
Organize and conduct supplier trials to facilitate DoE completion, analysis, and cost management for R&D
Provide data to R&D team with regard to jobs completed monthly
Identify formulations by market and end-use
Manage formulations for obsolence
Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
Analyze price/performance to assess total cost
As experience/results dictate, manage small to medium size customer R&D activity
Support lead development engineer on customer visits, trials and project reviews