Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan

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Product Development Engineer

Anderson, SC

Position Description

Reporting to the VP of Technology, the Product Development Engineer will be responsible for all qualification of films and resins from extrusion, through converting, and end use.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

New Product Development and Commercialization

• Support product development team in completion of customer trial orders
• Assist R&D in completion of laboratory requests
• Review trial results as needed and assist with the management of customer projects
• Support external trials at suppliers and customers as needed (travel involved)

Process Engineering

• Support manufacturing in completion of new product development activities
• Recommend formula changes based on analysis of quality data
• Define production blends for new specifications
• Lead troubleshooting of process and formulation issues, root cause definition

Materials and Suppliers

• Coordinate trials for alternate suppliers for existing products
• Lead execution of production formulations for new specifications

Key Interactions

• Product Development Manager/VP of Technology
• Quality Manager
• Plant Manager
• Material Suppliers
• Customers

Required Education and Experience and Skills

• Required: Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Polymer Science Engineering, or equivalent
• Advanced technical knowledge. Ability to interpret physical property and composition data of polymers.
• Ability to troubleshoot plastic processing equipment and related defects in the production of thin films
• Must be able to successfully interact and communicate with others.
• Self-Directed – able to manage multiple projects without significant oversight
• Coachable and open to feedback
• Ability to optimize workflow processes and systems
• A strong verbal and written communication skills are a must along with good interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable in a dynamic work environment where projects can shift mid-year.

Key Competencies

• Problem solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions
• Customer service - responds promptly to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
• Judgment - displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; makes timely decisions
• Planning/organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently
• Quality - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
• Analytical capability – demonstrates the ability to work with data accurately and efficiently
• Project management – shows initiative to lead and develop an array of projects

Detailed Position Activities

• Testing (10%)
  • Complete R&D lab testing proficiently – DSC, Heat seal/Hot-Tack, OTR, Microscope
  • Main contact for competitive analysis
  • Interpretation and communication of results

• Typical Data Sheets (10%)
  • Using test results, interpret data and develop data sheets for all new product formulations
  • Insure accuracy of FDA contact status under 21CFR176

• Materials (10%)
  • Develop understanding of key materials, especially additives and colors
  • Analyze price/performance to assess total cost

• Technical Support (25%)
  • Follow and support manufacturing trials for the product development and process teams
  • Key contact for new item setup to validate production formulas
  • Key contact for insuring slip, white, etc., scale with thickness
  • Main contact for scheduling and sequences of Production trials
    • Provide on site support as needed

• Fundamental Research (20%)
  • Lead 1-2 development projects focused on product improvements or new market development with regard to new materials
  • Organize and conduct supplier trials to facilitate DoE completion, analysis, and cost management for R&D

• Marketing Assistance (10%)
  • Provide data to R&D team with regard to jobs completed monthly
  • Identify formulations by market and end-use
  • Manage formulations for obsolence

• Customers (15%)
  • As experience/results dictate, manage small to medium size customer R&D activity
  • Support lead development engineer on customer visits, trials and project reviews