Associate R&D Scientist / Engineer

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the R&D Manager, the Associate R&D Scientist/Engineer will perform a variety of qualitative and quantitative testing and help with trial work in support of innovation projects relating to the strategic plan of WestRock business. Will develop a variety of processes used to produce paperboard-based substrates that are used in packaging applications by WestRock’s customers. The work is innovation-intense and requires a high level of creativity. The successful candidate can expect to tackle a variety of challenging tasks and opportunities to advance sustainable packaging efforts.

In addition this role provides technical support to research and development in packaging and product/process support and developing assistance in the production and testing of prototype products and packages and process support (Pulping, refining, coating, papermaking & testing).

For Barrier & Coatings: After the paper substrate is produced, they are coated to improve surface smoothness and printability. Wide range of barrier materials are used to coat the surface to add functionality for sustainable packaging applications. Barrier options include blocking oil, grease, water, moisture and oxygen for commercial applications. This will involve wide range of coating methods (extrusion coating, aqueous coating, rod/blade/curtain coating) and technologies used in the pilot plant. After coating, the sheets can be converted from 2D to 3D into various shapes such as cups, tubes, trays, punnets and other formats.

How you will impact WestRock:

• Operate and calibrate equipment.

• Create prototype materials and collect, compile and analyze data using simple statistical tools.

• Actively participate in planning, performing, analyzing, and documenting testing and pilot trials at our facilities and plant locations, including testing and sampling at customer facilities to support R&D projects from concept to commercialization.

• Lead fit-for-use and customer properties requirement testing to solve technical problems.

• Learn new test methods to expand materials science and technology innovation capabilities.

• Work with R&D scientists and other cross-functional teams on strategic projects for product development to address unmet customer needs.

• Provide on the road trial and mill activity support

• Safety is paramount to WestRock, a focus on safe work practices will be required. Report safety concerns to management for continuous improvement.

What you need:

• BA/BS in hard sciences (Chemistry, biology, etc., paper science)

• 0-2 years’ experience

• Manufacturing experience preferred

• Paper and packaging industry experience is preferred

• Knowledge of papermaking and paperboard products preferred

• Knowledge of coating chemistry, barrier materials and packaging development preferred

• Ability to function independently with minimal oversight, high degree of initiative

• Strong teamwork skills, including ability to contribute to cross functional teams

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written

• High degree of mechanical aptitude and technical curiosity

• Ability to contribute in a lab, pilot plant and production environment

• Basic computer skills to include proficiency with spreadsheet

• Ability to lift and carry samples routinely weighing 50 pounds

• Ability to travel up to 40%

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence

• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities

• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential

• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.