Application Development Engineer

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Application Development Engineer is the main technical contact between the customer and company. This position is responsible for all development and technical service activities at assigned accounts/markets. The packaging technology team is constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to develop packaging solutions that are cost-effective, product-safety compliant, more sustainable, and satisfy customers’ needs.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to the VP of Technology

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working closely with the Commercial Team to identify and successfully commercialize flexible packaging opportunities at targeted accounts.
• Leading technical activities to expand sales of existing structures, develop new flexible packaging structures, drive cost savings, and improve product performance.
• Building and maintaining strong technical customer relations.
• Translating customer requirements to company specifications and developing manufacturing instructions.
• Ensuring portfolio is aligned with the business priorities and the needs of the customer.
• Defining project success criteria, drawing conclusions based on data, making technical recommendations, and managing projects. Projects are often fast paced with high visibility.
• Developing and leading pilot, production, and filling/packing trials. Publishing trial reports for internal and/or external distribution.
• Coordinating activities to accomplish tasks using available internal and external resources.
• Providing routine technical service.
• Preparing written and verbal presentations, project plans, updates, and periodic reports for internal and external use.
• Traveling domestically and internationally to manufacturing plants, suppliers, customers, conferences, and other innovation partners.
• Maintaining complete and accurate work records, including documentation for intellectual property protection

REQUIREMENT

• Strong material science knowledge (PE, PP, PET, nylon, paper and/or foil-based laminations).
• New product development, flexible packaging applications, project management, and customer relationships.
• Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Chemical Engineering or other Engineering discipline, Materials Science, Food Science, Packaging, or Plastics related field.
• 2-10 years of Flexible Packaging Product Development and manufacturing processes. Processes include printing (flexo/roto), adhesive lamination, coating, slitting, pouching, bagmaking and form/fill/seal conversion.
• Specific experience in poultry or other protein, meat snacks, hard-to-hold, retort, hot fill, personal care and/or liquid applications is a plus.

Location Preferences:

• Easy access to a mid-sized or major airport is required. Ideal locations would be Wilksboro, NC/ Appleton or Merrill, WI.

POSITION BENEFITS

The compensation package for this position is commensurate with experience and includes an attractive base salary and a competitive benefits package.