Product Development Scientist

First Quality•Macon, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Product Development Scientist for our First Quality Baby Products location in Macon, GA. The purpose of this job is to create, develop, and implement new and proprietary designs of absorbent-related product systems based upon business, customer, and consumer needs as well as provide support for the needs of present product systems to assure competitive performance and value. Responsibilities include: Participate as a member of the Product Development team; execute projects in timely, diligent, safe, and professional manner, and contribute to the growth of the team and department. Design new products and product improvements to meet business and consumer needs. Develop new and improved materials and technologies with suppliers, and ensure all new raw materials obtain proper safety testing and clearance. Use basic Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques to develop experimental plans. Support the existing business product cost improvements through product redesigns. Provide technical support to reduce consumer complaints. Support corporate proprietary technology by documenting and patenting novel ideas. Develop new test methods to better predict and understand product performance in use. Work with more senior scientist or manager to help set project objectives. Coach and develop indirect reports to enhance team performance towards department objectives. Education and experience requirements include: Four year technical degree (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent; additional business studies preferred. 3+ years in R&D inventing, developing and implementing new products. Knowledge of and experience with developing product systems for the retail market, preferably hygiene products Knowledge of materials used in retail absorbent products (e.g. pulp, super absorbent polymers, nonwovens). Working knowledge of consumer product converting technologies for pulp, paper and nonwoven materials. Experience with the process of searching, evaluating and filing patents. Experience providing direction for the physical testing of hypotheses, resulting in specific conclusions and recommendations. Able to speak, read and write the English language and have strong oral and written communication skills. Good analytical skills, with working knowledge of basic statistics. Good computer skills in Microsoft Office program. Able to travel ~20-30% to US and International for product and process trials. First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data. First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status. Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions. Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better®.

Requirements

Four year technical degree (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent; additional business studies preferred
3+ years in R&D inventing, developing and implementing new products
Knowledge of and experience with developing product systems for the retail market, preferably hygiene products
Knowledge of materials used in retail absorbent products (e.g. pulp, super absorbent polymers, nonwovens)
Working knowledge of consumer product converting technologies for pulp, paper and nonwoven materials
Experience with the process of searching, evaluating and filing patents
Experience providing direction for the physical testing of hypotheses, resulting in specific conclusions and recommendations
Able to speak, read and write the English language and have strong oral and written communication skills
Good analytical skills, with working knowledge of basic statistics
Good computer skills in Microsoft Office program
Able to travel ~20-30% to US and International for product and process trials

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of the Product Development team
execute projects in timely, diligent, safe, and professional manner, and contribute to the growth of the team and department
Design new products and product improvements to meet business and consumer needs
Develop new and improved materials and technologies with suppliers, and ensure all new raw materials obtain proper safety testing and clearance
Use basic Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques to develop experimental plans
Support the existing business product cost improvements through product redesigns
Provide technical support to reduce consumer complaints
Support corporate proprietary technology by documenting and patenting novel ideas
Develop new test methods to better predict and understand product performance in use
Work with more senior scientist or manager to help set project objectives
Coach and develop indirect reports to enhance team performance towards department objectives