Implement the R&D product innovation and technology strategy and methodology.
Manage the technical integration of projects through collaboration with suppliers, internal cross-functional teams, and customers to assure performance criteria are met.
Responsible for planning projects and meeting work objectives, time, and budget constraints on assigned projects.
Work with the Product Development Manager to prioritize and execute all new development initiatives.
Work closely with Sales to provide technical support as well as develop a good working relationship with the customer to establish and maintain customer satisfaction.
Develop comprehensive project charters, including scope, plans, timing, resources, and budgets. Execute to plan, formalizing scope changes when appropriate.
Analyze and interpret data and test results.
Provide summary reports with conclusions and recommendations.
Maintain complete and accurate records of all assigned projects.
Manage project spending and maintain budget compliance.
In partnership with the business unit, provide input on product development opportunities to ensure those with the highest strategic and commercial potential are prioritized, justified for support or abandonment.
Participate in regular portfolio review meetings to ensure proper balance in portfolio along with consensus on priorities.
Perform regular After-Action Reviews evaluations to ensure constant improvement and refinement of the project management process, resources, and deliverables.
Originate ideas, conduct independent research and development, and stimulate colleagues or project team members to contribute ideas.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
Understanding of plastic materials, preferably those used in food and beverage packaging, with demonstrated knowledge of Solidworks being a plus.
Knowledge of forming processes for packaging and industrial applications, such as rigid sheet thermoforming, injection molding and extrusion.
Understanding of common analytical test methods such as IV, DSC, Microscopy, SEM, FTIR, Stress-Strain etc, and ability to interpret and analyze data.
Ability to lead R&D programs from concept to commercialization
Proficiency in project management, development of timelines, and identifying critical milestones
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic channels
Ability to consistently earn and maintain the trust of teammates and external customers
Ability to work very effectively with limited direction on multiple high priority programs
Ability to learn and share new applications, methods/techniques and discoveries.
Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Polymer, or Plastics). A Master of Science degree would be a plus
Demonstrated experience in planning research projects, developing experimental designs, leading the execution of experiments and analyzing test results.
Two to five years of full-time industrial experience in research & development with focus on polymers will be a plus.
