Research Engineer Jobs

Printpack is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Research Engineer I or II. The position will report to the Product Development Manager, Printpack Medical. As part of the Medical Product Development team, this role will drive the long-term development of new medical packaging using materials, technologies, and processes new-to-Printpack or new-to-market. This includes product development activities for successful onboarding, using the Medical New Product Development Process. Printpack is one of the most innovative and trusted packaging companies in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1 billion USD and over 3000 associates across 18 manufacturing facilities globally. Recognized on the 2011 list of Atlanta’s best places to work, Printpack embodies the customer-focused, collaborative values established by its founder, J. Erskine Love Jr., in 1956.

The research and development engineer role and responsibilities include film design and new product developments, front end innovation activities, the stage gate innovation process, complex customer intimacy through engagements such as the Customer Advisory Board, innovation sessions and education/training such as Printpack Medical Institute, research and integration of new materials and technologies, and industry engagement for Medical brand promotion.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Designing specifications to be fit-for-use as well as fit-for-make. Understand raw materials and manufacturing processes relevant to assigned technology area for reference. Information gathering and problem analysis are critical skills for success.
• Managing product development projects from idea generation to successful commercialization, (typically as technical leader of a team that includes Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and other functions), and providing oral and written project updates to stakeholders
• Collaboration and engagement with new product processes and stage-gate innovation processes.
• Ability to problem solve/troubleshoot creatively with more leadership/less assistance.
• Leading technical calls/visits to customers, vendors, and external partners to gather information and expedite successful project completion.
• Identify/Translate market needs into Printpack product ideas.
• Understand and use statistics and experimental design principles for creating and analyzing complex trial data sets.
• Responding to external and internal technical inquiries in a prompt and professional manner, and demonstrating technical expertise in those interactions
• Identify gaps and potential solutions for end user, customer and market needs.
• Plan and lead internal and external innovation sessions.
• Expand range of understanding of and responsibility for different manufacturing processes and technology solutions.
• Evaluate the potential of a new concept in the context of business goals.

Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of experience in the packaging industry is preferred.
• Travel commitment: 35% (typically within North America, for trials/meetings at customer, vendor, and Printpack plants)
• Four (4) year degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or 5 or more years related film and/or converted products design and development experience.
• 5 or more years of experience in product development, particularly in managing longer-term complex projects with direct customer interaction, is preferred.
• Project management skill, perseverance, and initiative are imperative for success in this role.