Product Development Engineer

Pregis LLC is looking for a Product Development Engineer to support end-to-end qualification work for films and resins, from extrusion through converting and end use. This role partners across R&D, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to help drive new product development and commercialization with strong technical ownership and collaboration.

Reporting to the VP of Technology, you will be responsible for qualification of films and resins across the full lifecycle, while coordinating testing, interpretation, trials, and execution needed to move projects forward.

Responsibilities

• Support the product development team in completion of customer trial orders
• Assist R&D with laboratory requests
• Review trial results as needed and help manage customer projects
• Support external trials at suppliers and customers as needed, with travel involved
• Assist manufacturing in completing 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, including root cause definition
• Coordinate trials for alternate suppliers for existing products
• Lead execution of production formulations for new specifications

What you will do (position activities)

• Testing (10%): Complete R&D lab testing using DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, and Microscope; serve as the main contact for competitive analysis; interpret and communicate results
• Typical Data Sheets (10%): Use test results to interpret data and develop data sheets for new product formulations; ensure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176
• Materials (10%): Build understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors; analyze price/performance to assess total cost
• Technical Support (25%): Follow and support manufacturing trials for product development and process teams; act as a key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas; help ensure slip, white, and similar properties scale with thickness; coordinate scheduling and sequences of production trials; provide on-site support as needed
• Fundamental Research (20%): 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
• Marketing Assistance (10%): Provide data to R&D team with regard to jobs completed monthly; identify formulations by market and end-use; manage formulations for obsolescence
• Customers (15%): As experience/results dictate, manage small to medium size customer R&D activities; support lead development engineer on customer visits, trials, and project reviews

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Polymer Science Engineering, or equivalent
• Advanced technical knowledge, including ability to interpret physical property and composition data of polymers
• Ability to troubleshoot plastic processing equipment and related defects in production of thin films
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with good interpersonal skills
• 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
• Comfortable in a dynamic work environment where projects can shift mid-year

Key Interactions

• Product Development Manager / VP of Technology
• Quality Manager
• Plant Manager
• Material Suppliers
• Customers

Selected Key Competencies

• Problem solving
• Customer service
• Judgment
• Planning/organizing
• Quality
• Analytical capability
• Project management

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (onsite)