Product Development Engineer II

JOB SUMMARY
--Responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new flexible packaging structures, and improving the performance and cost of existing structures in accordance with meeting or exceeding the company's overall financial targets, goals and strategies.
--Responsible for all aspects of new product development: design, costing, development, trial run supervision, scale-up, documentation, communication, 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. The Product Development Engineer reports to the Sr. Product Development Engineer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• In collaboration with Sales, Marketing/Product, R&D and customers, leads the discovery and development of new products.
• Works effectively across all levels of organization from senior managers to hourly associates.
• Oversees the production of new test materials, and assist in the coordination of subsequent lab tests. Maintain awareness of standard test methods and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for product, material, or process standardization and simplification
• Maintains contact with raw material suppliers and identifies, evaluates, and recommends new materials for improved performance or reduced cost
• Collaborates with R&D on the design and implemention on next generation products and processes.
• As required, provides assistance in the field to customers and other company representatives in the successful conversion of customers to new products or in solving major problems with existing products. Prepares written reports or presentations for customers.
• Provides advice to customers and internal production regarding improvements to existing products and processes.
• Interacts with customer package development, operation and quality personnel to identify and resolve product performance issues.
• Prepares cost estimates for new or improved flexible packaging structures.
• Documents and communicates trial requirements internally (Sales, Operations, and Customer Service). Document trial results accurately and in a timely manner in Lotus Notes Trial Request Database.
• Prepares raw material specifications and revisions.
• Creates and modifies finished goods recipes for existing and test products
• Obtains and disseminate information on competitive products (structure breakdowns) and perform comparative analyses with the company’s equivalent
• Adheres to all safety rules
• Continues 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.
• Performs related duties as deemed appropriate and assigned by Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS
• 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

Essential Qualifications & Knowledge:
• BS degree in technical scientific field or Engineering with minimum 4 years of progressive experience or Associate degree in technical field with minimum 5 years of progressive experience or Non-degreed with minimum 7 years of progressive experience
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in flexible packaging
• Strong material knowledge, in particular packaging substrates (paper, foil, and film), extrusion resins, adhesives, and coatings
• history of creative or innovative material development
• Demonstrated track record of new product development, and product and/or process optimization.
• Experience with analytical (infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and optical microscopy) tests and interpretation of results.
• Capable of performing routine physical tests (heatseal, tensiles, COF, burst, etc) and interpreting results
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks within time constraints with demonstrated project management ability
• 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

Critical Skills:
Critical Professional Traits
• Represents a positive Company image
• Professional Integrity
• Professional Image
• Commitment to Excellence
• Initiative and Drive
• Dependability
• Execution
• Results Oriented

Critical Professional Competencies
• Creativity and Innovation
• Learning and Adaptability
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Organizational Awareness
• Communication Skills
• Planning and Organizing
• Presentation Skills
• Product/Technical Knowledge