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Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Development Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$116.70K - $177.70K/yr

As a Senior Development Engineer specializing in film development, you will serve as the technical steward for MilliporeSigma's Single-Use Life Science film solutions. You will lead hands-on ...

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Film Development information

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$18K

$70.3K

$97K

How much do film development jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for film development in the United States is $70,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Film Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Film Development, you need a solid understanding of storytelling, script analysis, and market trends, usually supported by a degree in film, media, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Final Draft, scheduling tools, and rights management systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback set top professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for identifying promising projects, nurturing creative relationships, and guiding films from concept to production.

How does a professional in Film Development typically collaborate with writers, directors, and producers during the early stages of a project?

In Film Development, professionals work closely with writers to refine scripts, providing feedback and guidance to align the story with production goals and market trends. They also collaborate with directors to ensure the creative vision is achievable within budget and logistical constraints, and with producers to assess project viability and secure necessary resources. Regular meetings, script notes, and pitch sessions are common, fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication is key to moving a project from concept to greenlight.

What is film development?

Film development refers to the process of taking a film project from the initial idea or script through various stages of planning and preparation before production begins. This includes activities like securing rights, assembling a creative team, refining scripts, finding financing, and creating a production plan. Professionals in film development work closely with writers, directors, producers, and studios to shape a project and evaluate its potential for success. Their goal is to ensure that films are fully prepared and viable before moving into the actual production phase.

What is the difference between Film Development vs Film Production?

AspectFilm DevelopmentFilm Production
Primary FocusConcept creation, script development, securing fundingActual filming, editing, and post-production
Required SkillsCreative writing, project planning, industry knowledgeTechnical skills, project management, coordination
Work EnvironmentOffice, meetings, script workshopsOn-set, filming locations, editing suites
Common EmployersStudios, production companies, independent filmmakers

Film Development involves creating the story, securing funding, and preparing the project for filming. Film Production focuses on executing the filming process, managing crews, and completing the movie. Both roles are essential in the filmmaking process but differ in their focus and activities.

More about Film Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Development jobs? Cities with the most Film Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Film Development jobs? The most popular types of Film Development jobs are:
What states have the most Film Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Film Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,347 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Principal Development Engineer - Single-Use Film Development

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Bedford, MA โ€ข On-site

$116.70K - $177.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Work Your Magic with us!Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.


Your Role:
The Principal Development Engineer leads hands-on development and technical stewardship of MilliporeSigma's Single-Use Life Science film solutions. You will drive innovation across multi-layer film technologies, oversee process development from concept to scale-up, and ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing efficiency. This role requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead development and scale-up of blown, cast, extrusion, laminated, and multi-layer films for single-use applications.
  • Oversee roll-to-roll processing, embossing, and incorporation of advanced features using vision systems.
  • Formulation: select, evaluate, and qualify resins and additive packages.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise on roll-to-roll processing and advanced film features; guide process optimization and technology transfer.
  • Manage end-to-end process development including quality control, troubleshooting, and corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards relevant to film materials in life sciences.
  • Collaborate closely with third-party manufacturing partners, providing technical direction and oversight.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize film performance, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

Who You are
Minimum Qualifications:

  • MS degree in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Film Technology, or related field (or equivalent); 10+ years of industry experience with proven expertise in single-use film development.
  • Demonstrated success managing complex film processes and new product development.
  • Strong knowledge of blown, cast, and extrusion film equipment and roll-to-roll operations; experience with laminated and multi-layer film structures and embossing is advantageous.
  • Solid understanding of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and corrective action processes.
  • Experience supervising third-party manufacturing relationships and ensuring technical transfer quality.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD or additional advanced degree; professional certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, PMP, NEBOSH/OSHA) related to film technology, quality, or safety.
  • Deep experience with laminated/multi-layer film structures and embossing techniques; hands-on regulatory compliance in life sciences film materials.
  • Proficiency with ERP/WMS and data-driven decision making for process optimization.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration experience, with ability to influence external partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Global/regional exposure and understanding of international regulatory standards and best practices.

Pay Range for this position: $116,700 - $177,700.

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.


What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

Employment Type: Full time