Product Development Engineer

Position Description:

The Product Development Engineer is a key team member of the Natur-Tec Global Technical team reporting to Director, R&D and is responsible for supporting the development and commercialization of innovative biobased/biodegradable products. This role bridges laboratory R&D, pilot-scale processing, and commercial manufacturing scale-up, working closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and customers worldwide to translate new resin formulations into successful commercial products. This position requires up to 35% travel.

Role and Duties:

• Use Design of Experiments (DOE) to plan, execute, and analyze trials for new resin formulations and bio-based/biodegradable polymer products, including flexible barrier packaging.

· Process new formulations on lab and pilot-scale equipment and apply rheology fundamentals to optimize biopolymer processing from R&D through commercial scale-up.

· Lead and coordinate engineering trials and production scale-up at global sub-contract manufacturing partners and other Natur-Tec manufacturing locations, ensuring robust and repeatable processing windows.

· Troubleshoot processing, quality, and performance issues at internal and external production sites, and partner with QA/QC to establish in-process controls and acceptance criteria.

· Develop new product specifications, technical datasheets, processing guidelines, and application notes for Natur-Tec products.

· Drive continuous improvement efforts in manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives.

· Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Sales, and Quality teams, and provide technical support to customers on product processing, converting, and end-use performance.

· Travel domestically and internationally to contract manufacturing and customer locations worldwide for engineering trials, technical support, and resolution of production-related trial issues.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Engineering/Plastics/Packaging Program is required.
• 1-2 years of experience with plastics processing such as, film extrusion and flexible packaging is preferred
• Knowledgeable in analytical equipment and polymer characterization techniques
• Have the ability to work in a global team set-up
• Effective communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Possess effective oral & written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Problem solving skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:

Tasks require standing and walking, or frequent light lifting up to 10 pounds; occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds; or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or testing stations and extrusion machinery. Exposure and involvement working with various chemicals and testing stations/equipment will require mobility.

ISO:

Every employee is expected to support the NTIC Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with our Quality System Manual and Quality Control Procedures. This position is responsible to follow and maintain the QMS and related Quality Control Procedures.