POSITION PURPOSEPDI's R&D Engineering team develops the innovation, technology, and design that keep our products ahead of regulatory requirements and customer expectations, differentiating PDI within the infection prevention, control, and device industry.
The R&D Sustainability Engineer drives innovations that make PDI's products more sustainable - minimizing environmental impact while meeting regulatory and customer expectations. This role keeps a pulse on industry trends and partners with internal and external resources to bring new sustainable designs, concepts, and materials to life, while leading the integration of sustainability into the product development process and evaluating our products' cradle-to-grave environmental impact to support sustainability reporting.
WHY YOU"LL LOVE THIS ROLE- Lead high-visibility sustainability initiatives that directly shape PDI's environmental strategy and product innovation roadmap.
- Partner with internal teams and external suppliers, customers, regulators, and industry groups to pioneer new sustainable materials and designs.
- Own and maintain PDI's R&D sustainability data management platform from the ground up.
- Play a hands-on role educating and training the broader PDI community on sustainability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead innovation of science-based, sustainable materials and processes for applicators, chemicals, and packaging.
- Enhance PDI's understanding of its current environmental product profiles.
- Conduct research into customer needs, regulatory trends, and sustainable material innovations.
- Investigate new certifications and environmentally friendly labeling opportunities.
- Work cross-functionally to ensure projects align with sustainability goals and design principles while meeting customer needs.
- Identify and engage key external partners to develop new sustainable ideas.
- Plan and execute laboratory testing that demonstrates the commercial viability of new sustainability concepts.
- Identify appropriate attributes and systems to report sustainability data.
- Gather relevant raw material sustainability data across the product development lifecycle (nonwoven, formulation, and packaging).
- Embed sustainability within the product development process.
- Lead organization-wide training sessions on sustainability.
- Communicate opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of PDI's products from cradle to grave, including product design and manufacturing.
- Provide regular updates on PDI's sustainability progress.
- Play a proactive role in driving sustainable product innovation.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE- An efficient, easy-to-maintain R&D sustainability data management platform is in place.
- New designs, concepts, and materials for nonwoven, formulation, and packaging are identified through strong research and innovation.
- Sustainability ideas are advanced through effective partnership with internal and external groups.
- Sustainability is embedded within PDI's product development process.
- Assigned projects and self-led initiatives are owned and delivered end to end.
QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION / CERTIFICATION- Bachelor's degree in Sustainability Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline required; Master's degree a plus.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE- Knowledge of eco-design, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations, energy efficiency, and other sustainability concepts required.
- Strong knowledge of sustainability regulations and current industry trends.
- Understanding of R&D processes for the development and launch of new products.
- 1 to 4 years of experience in R&D with exposure to product design & development and change control processes.
- Experience in raw material qualification.
- Proven track record of executing R&D strategies with strategic, competitive-landscape thinking.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and integrate cross-functional teams to enable project success.
PREFERRED- Experience practicing breakthrough thinking and navigating complex challenges.
- Experience interacting with external stakeholders: suppliers, customers, and industry groups.4
SKILLS/ABILITIES- Highly motivated team player with a collaborative, learning, and solutions-oriented approach and effective communication skills.
- Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, LCA programs).
- Able to work on multiple projects of varying complexity.
- Able to influence cross-functional partners to gain support and alignment on ideas.
WORKING CONDITIONS- About 20% lab and80% office environment
SALARY RANGEBENEFITSPDI 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.
