Product Development Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced R&D professional to drive innovation, product development, process improvement, and technical solutions that support customer needs and business growth. This role plays a key part in developing new products, enhancing existing materials and processes, improving manufacturing performance, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

This is an intermediate-level position for a technical professional who operates primarily within established technologies while contributing to emerging innovations and new market opportunities. The individual will work independently on complex projects with periodic guidance and will serve as a trusted technical resource for internal teams, manufacturing partners, and customers.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with project leadership skills to deliver short- and mid-term business objectives while supporting long-term innovation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate customer requirements and business objectives to recommend, design, develop, and implement new products, materials, and process improvements.

• Serve as a technical representative and subject matter expert for customers, operations, engineering, quality, and commercial teams.

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.

• Establish and maintain critical product and process specifications to ensure quality and performance standards are achieved.

• Utilize technical research, data analysis, benchmarking, and problem-solving methodologies to resolve complex technical challenges.

• Lead or support product and process development projects through structured stage-gate processes from concept through commercialization.

• Design, execute, and analyze plant and production trials using Design of Experiments (DOE), Lean Six Sigma, and statistical analysis tools.

• Maintain thorough technical documentation and contribute to organizational knowledge-sharing systems.

• Support intellectual property initiatives and ensure proper handling of confidential technical information.

• Develop and deliver technical training, standard operating procedures, and best practices to improve organizational capabilities.

• Apply expertise in polymers, materials science, manufacturing processes, and equipment capabilities to meet customer and operational requirements.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for performance improvement and operational excellence.

• Continuously expand technical knowledge while promoting a culture of learning and innovation across the organization.

• Drive process optimization and technology advancement initiatives that create measurable business value.

• Engage with global technical teams to share knowledge, identify best practices, and solve complex challenges.

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors on capital projects, equipment installations, and manufacturing improvements.

• Contribute innovative ideas that support the organization's product development pipeline and strategic growth objectives.

• Participate in technical reviews, research proposals, and innovation planning activities.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, research and development, process engineering, product development, or a related technical environment.

• Demonstrated success leading product and process development projects from concept through implementation.

• Experience developing solutions that enhance product performance, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness.

• Proven ability to analyze technical and business information and translate findings into actionable results.

• Strong technical expertise across multiple manufacturing processes, materials, or technologies.

• Experience utilizing project management tools and methodologies to manage timelines, resources, and project objectives.

• Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE), Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and continuous improvement principles.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer focus and ability to understand market-driven requirements.

• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities while delivering results.

• Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

• Strong technical leadership and influence skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams.

• Experience working in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role is defined by the ability to develop innovative products and processes, deliver measurable business value, improve manufacturing performance, support customer growth, and collaborate effectively across technical and operational teams. The ideal candidate demonstrates initiative, technical excellence, continuous learning, and a commitment to driving innovation and operational success.