POSITION PURPOSEPDI's Discovery & Innovation team builds the future pipeline of differentiated technologies, platforms, and solutions that drive long-term growth and market leadership. The team focuses on early-stage research, materials and formulation innovation, rapid feasibility, and external collaboration to turn what's next into what's real.
The Materials Scientist, Discovery & Innovation is a hands-on creator and technical catalyst within this upstream innovation engine. Reporting to the Director, Discovery & Innovation, this role explores novel materials, formats, and surface-chemical interactions, and translates them into testable concepts, prototypes, and learning plans that can progress into the R&D pipeline.
This role is ideal for someone who takes ownership, challenges conventional thinking, and brings both imagination and scientific rigor to early-stage work. Success is defined by clear, on-time deliverables that enable stage-gate decisions and downstream development.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE- Build what's next: turn emerging packaging technologies into real prototypes and proof points
- Own your work end-to-end: drive innovation workstreams with clear deliverables and timelines
- Shape future platforms: influence strategy, prove feasibility, and enable scale-up
- Gain real visibility: present concepts and insights to senior leaders and cross-functional partners
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES- Innovation Leadership: Lead new materials compatibility and innovation by developing and advancing early-stage concepts that support PDI's future platforms and strategic priorities.
- Market Insights: Combine technical expertise with consumer insights and market signals into actionable designs and solutions, using strong commercial and technical judgement.
- External Partnerships: Engage with suppliers, startups, and academic institutions to leverage external innovation, exploring novel materials and technologies that can enhance PDI's current and future products.
- Portfolio Management: Manage a balanced portfolio of opportunities across various time horizons, ensuring alignment with the Discovery & Innovation roadmap and maximizing long-term value.
- Project Ownership and Execution: Assume full ownership of assigned innovation workstreams, managing project scope, timelines, and execution with a commitment to high-quality standards and successful handoffs to Product Development.
- Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation: Design, build, and test prototypes through rapid iteration, allowing for swift learning and informed go/no-go decisions to evaluate scalability and feasibility.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers to seamlessly integrate packaging into early research, ensuring cohesive development workflows.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify and address technical, material, and regulatory risks early in the process, developing mitigation strategies to facilitate smooth downstream development.
- Decision Support and Communication: Synthesize findings into comprehensive technical narratives that support portfolio decisions and effectively communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS- Delivery of clear, decision-ready outputs (concepts, prototypes, feasibility plans, and recommendations)
- Speed to learning and execution discipline
- Quality and actionability of feasibility assessments and technical insights
- Advancement of concepts into the innovation pipeline
- Reliability in commitments, meets deadlines, communicates risks early, and drives results to closure
- Effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration and handoffs
- Impact of external partnerships and technology scouting
QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION/CERTIFICATION- BS in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program
- Advanced degree preferred but not required
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE- Materials science, processing, surface characterization and chemical compatibility
- Early-stage research and feasibility assessments
- Understanding of material considerations in EPA and/or FDA regulated environments
- Familiarity with emerging materials and sustainability trends
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED- 3-6 years in materials engineering, materials development, or innovation-focused R&D
- Experience supporting early-stage research or feasibility work
- Exposure to regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharma, or consumer healthcare)
- Experience with prototyping, testing, or concept evaluation
SKILLS/ABILITIES- Apply knowledge and critical thinking to solve ambiguous, early-stage problems
- Translate insights into differentiated concepts and clear recommendations
- Design and execute experiments to assess feasibility and risk
- Synthesize technical findings into clear, decision-ready outputs
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
- Build strong partnerships internally and externally
- Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and follow-through
- Stay current on emerging technologies and innovation trends
WORKING CONDITIONS- No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions
SALARY RANGE:- $110,000 - $125,000 annually plus bonus
BENEFITSPDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:- Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
- Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short & long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Advocacy Program
PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.
