R&D Engineer – Flexibles - Hartsville, SC - $72,975 - $125,190

R&D Engineer – Flexibles

Hartsville, SC

$72,975 - $125,190

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Research & Development as an R&D Engineer, you will drive technical programs focused on development of new flexible packaging products and/or technologies. In this role, you will lead all development and technical activities for assigned projects, delivering new packaging solutions to many of the world’s most recognized brands. This position is located at our corporate headquarters in Hartsville, SC. This is a progression position and level will be based on candidate experience and business needs.

What you'll be doing:

·        Working closely with key stakeholders to understand technical targets for new product developments.

·        Leading technical activities to develop new flexible packaging structures, capabilities, or technology advancements.

·        Translating market requirements into Sonoco specifications and designing products that meet these requirements.

·        Developing and leading pilot, production, and filling/packaging trials.

·        Interacting with business leaders and customers to discuss development activities and needs.

·        Coordinating activities to accomplish tasks using available internal and external resources.

·        Maintaining knowledge of latest material and process developments that can be leveraged and shared within the business.

·        Building subject matter expertise for key focus areas and acting as a consultant within the business for these areas.

·        Preparing written and verbal presentations, project plans, updates, and reports for internal and external use.

·        Travel to suppliers, customers, conferences, and other innovation partners

·        Collaborate with marketing, supply management, engineering, sustainability, and other functions to identify needs and solutions

·        This role is located at our Corporate Headquarters in beautiful Hartsville, SC and close to exciting destinations. (Myrtle Beach, SC Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC)

We'd love to hear from you if:

·        Education: Bachelor of Science, preferably in Engineering, Science, Packaging, or Plastics related field required

·        Experience: 5-10 years in a Product Development or Manufacturing role. Preferred manufacturing processes include blown film production, extrusion coating and laminating, printing (roto/flexo), pouching and form/fill/seal conversion.

·        Material science (OPP, PET, PE, Nylon, paper, and foil) knowledge

·        New product development, packaging applications,

·        Project management - Multitasking, prioritization, time and budget management, planning and executing

·        Technical writing & oral communication

·        Blown film production

·        Extrusion coating and extrusion lamination

·        Retail confection, bakery, snack, coffee, frozen food, beverage, thermally processed, or personal care markets would be a plus.

Compensation:

·        The annual base salary range for the Research & Development Engineer II role is from $72,975 to $87570.

·        The annual base salary range for the Research & Development Engineer III role is from $89,925 to $107,910.

·        The annual base salary range for the Research & Development Engineer IV role is from $104,325 to $125,190.

R&D Engineer IV - USA, Hartsville SC - $104,325 - $125,190

R&D Engineer IV

USA, Hartsville SC

$104,325 - $125,190

Job Description

This position is under the direction of the R&D Manager for the Rigid Plastics Packaging division that includes developing, designing, and qualifying new thermoplastic materials and processes for our Plastics end use markets.  The individual will be instrumental in identifying sustainable packaging solutions for our customers by taking ideas and technical insights through a comprehensive process to drive growth in the marketplace.  In addition, this senior level engineer will drive projects to increase productivity, capacity, and efficiency across our manufacturing plants.

What you’ll be doing:

·        Be a subject matter expert in plastic materials and additives

·        Address internal and external customer needs and packaging opportunities in a manufacturing setting

·        Provide creative solutions to new and existing packaging problems involving materials and processes in a timely and cost-effective manner

·        Originate new ideas to support the R&D product innovation and technology strategy

·        Participate in regular portfolio review meetings to ensure proper balance in portfolio along with consensus on priorities

·        Manage the technical integration of projects through collaboration with suppliers, internal cross-functional teams, and customers to assure performance criteria are met

·        Establish an environment which motivates and engages others in the R&D organization to achieve desired results

·        Foster a positive, safe work environment through open communication and an atmosphere of teamwork

·        Ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures to protect all employees

We’d love to hear from you if:

·        Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, Chemistry; Master’s degree preferred

·        5+ years of related experience with a strong technical background in plastics, resins, coatings, and laminates including extensive knowledge in material analysis and testing

·        Processing experience in extrusion, thermoforming, and injection molding, experience in consumer-based food packaging is a plus

·        Results driven with a high level of personal initiative, energy, and ownership for success

·        Inquisitive mind, actively staying aware of new and developing technologies inside and outside of the industry

·        Self-starter with a positive “can do” attitude and able to work independently

·        Experience leading projects working across different functions in the organization (e.g., commercial, manufacturing, supply management)

·        Strong technical capability & problem-solving skills

·        Effective communication skills both written and verbal

·        Ability to work in a fast-paced, results orientated environment

·        Highly organized and self-motivated with a hands-on work ethic

·        The annual base salary range for this role is from $104,325.00 to $125,190.00

To Apply Please Complete the Form Below

R&D Engineer II - USA, Hartsville - $72,975 - $90,000

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.