Pregis Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Pregis Corporation • $80K — $95K *
Grand Rapids, MI 49504In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Polymer Engineering.
  • Advanced understanding of polymer properties and composition.
  • Proficient in troubleshooting plastic processing equipment and production defects.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects independently and maintain focus.
  • Receptive to feedback and adaptable to changing priorities.
  • Skills in optimizing workflows and data analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Support customer trial order completion in product development.
  • Assist the R&D team with laboratory testing requests.
  • Review trial results and manage customer project timelines.
  • Conduct external trials at supplier and customer locations with travel as necessary.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing to implement new product activities and formulas.
  • Lead problem-solving efforts for production and formulation issues.
  • Coordinate trials with alternate suppliers for existing products.

Benefits

  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Supportive team environment with close interactions across departments.
Full Job Description
Product Development Engineer

Anderson, SC

Position Description

Reporting to the VP of Technology, the Product Development Engineer will be responsible for all qualification of films and resins from extrusion, through converting, and end use.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

New Product Development and Commercialization

  • Support product development team in completion of customer trial orders
  • Assist R&D in completion of laboratory requests
  • Review trial results as needed and assist with the management of customer projects
  • Support external trials at suppliers and customers as needed (travel involved)


Process Engineering

  • Support manufacturing in completion of 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, root cause definition


Materials and Suppliers

  • Coordinate trials for alternate suppliers for existing products
  • Lead execution of production formulations for new specifications


Key Interactions

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


Required Education and Experience and Skills

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


Key Competencies

  • Problem solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions
  • Customer service - responds promptly to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
  • Judgment - displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; makes timely decisions
  • Planning/organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently
  • Quality - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
  • Analytical capability - demonstrates the ability to work with data accurately and efficiently
  • Project management - shows initiative to lead and develop an array of projects

Detailed Position Activities

  • Testing (10%)
    • Complete R&D lab testing proficiently - DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, Microscope
    • Main contact for competitive analysis
    • Interpretation and communication of results


  • Typical Data Sheets (10%)
    • Using test results, interpret data and develop data sheets for all new product formulations
    • Insure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176


  • Materials (10%)
    • Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
    • Analyze price/performance to assess total cost


  • Technical Support (25%)
    • Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
    • Key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas
    • Key contact for insuring slip, white, etc., scale with thickness
    • Main contact for 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 obsolence


  • Customers (15%)
    • As experience/results dictate, manage small to medium size customer R&D activity
    • Support lead development engineer on customer visits, trials and project reviews

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in diversity of thought and bringing together other traits and characteristics that make an individual bring a unique experience to Pregis. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where behaviors and social norms ensure people are welcome.

About Pregis Corporation

Pregis Corporation is a global leader in protective packaging materials and automated systems. The company develops innovative solutions that help customers improve product safety, increase efficiency, and reduce waste. Pregis serves a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, e-commerce, and industrial manufacturing. The company's products include bubble wrap, foam, paper, and plastic packaging materials, as well as automated packaging systems. Pregis has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Learn more about Pregis Corporation
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$50 million
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+5%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ
TCPC
* Ladders Estimates

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