R&D Engineer II
USA, Hartsville
$72,975 - $90,000
Job Description
From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, we have been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.
Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the company wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the ground-breaking work accomplished by our people.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for developing innovative packaging solutions and qualifying advanced raw materials for the companies’ Rigid Plastics businesses. This individual will lead the assigned projects while collaborating cross-functionally to drive the projects from concept to manufacturing launch. This position requires a strong background in thermoplastics polymers, an understanding of material structure-property relationships, a solid knowledge of experimental design methodology, and a thorough project management ability. The individual is expected to be a self-starter, extracting industry related information to conduct material and product development using forming technologies suitable for sustainable packaging applications.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Implement the R&D product innovation and technology strategy and methodology.
· Manage the technical integration of projects through collaboration with suppliers, internal cross-functional teams, and customers to assure performance criteria are met.
· Responsible for planning projects and meeting work objectives, time, and budget constraints on assigned projects.
· Work with the Product Development Manager to prioritize and execute all new development initiatives.
· Work closely with Sales to provide technical support as well as develop a good working relationship with the customer to establish and maintain customer satisfaction.
· Develop comprehensive project charters, including scope, plans, timing, resources, and budgets. Execute to plan, formalizing scope changes when appropriate.
· Analyse and interpret data and test results.
· Provide summary reports with conclusions and recommendations.
· Maintain complete and accurate records of all assigned projects.
· Manage project spending and maintain budget compliance.
· In partnership with the business unit, provide input on product development opportunities to ensure those with the highest strategic and commercial potential are prioritized, justified for support or abandonment.
· Participate in regular portfolio review meetings to ensure proper balance in portfolio along with consensus on priorities.
· Perform regular After-Action Reviews evaluations to ensure constant improvement and refinement of the project management process, resources, and deliverables.
· Originate ideas, conduct independent research and development, and stimulate colleagues or project team members to contribute ideas.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
· Understanding of plastic materials, preferably those used in food and beverage packaging, with demonstrated knowledge of Solidworks being a plus.
· Knowledge of forming processes for packaging and industrial applications, such as rigid sheet thermoforming, injection moulding and extrusion.
· Understanding of common analytical test methods such as IV, DSC, Microscopy, SEM, FTIR, Stress-Strain etc, and ability to interpret and analyse data.
· Ability to lead R&D programs from concept to commercialization.
· Proficiency in project management, development of timelines, and identifying critical milestones.
· Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic channels.
· Ability to consistently earn and maintain the trust of teammates and external customers.
· Ability to work very effectively with limited direction on multiple high priority programs.
· Ability to learn and share new applications, methods/techniques, and discoveries.
· Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Polymer, or Plastics). A Master of Science degree would be a plus.
· Demonstrated experience in planning research projects, developing experimental designs, leading the execution of experiments, and analysing test results.
· Two to five years of full-time industrial experience in research & development with focus on polymers will be a plus.
Compensation:
The annual base salary range for this role is from $72,975.00 to $87,570.00.
An annual bonus is awarded to eligible employees upon attaining various business and individual goals as defined by the Company and the department leader. This annual bonus is discretionary, and the Company has sole discretion to determine the amount of the award.
Company Culture & Perks
From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, we have been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.
Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the company wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the ground-breaking work accomplished by our people.