Research Development Associate Jobs in Toledo, OH

Imagine: A Career with Purpose and Possibility

Picture this: You are part of a global team of problem-solvers whose innovations in materials science can make life better. Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real-world challenges. You are part of a company whose work helps improve patient outcomes in healthcare and protects essential consumer goods that people around the world rely on every day.

At TekniPlex, you’ll join more than 9,000 colleagues across 12 countries, all united by one purpose: creating safer, smarter solutions that touch daily life. Through our two divisions, TekniPlex Healthcare and TekniPlex Consumer Products, you’ll help shape industries that matter: healthcare, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, beauty, and personal care.

Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You’ll be encouraged to think boldly, collaborate across cultures, and keep growing every step of the way. You will help protect the integrity of essential products, support patient safety and comfort, and contribute to innovations that make everyday life better, all while building a career that makes an impact.

Because at TekniPlex, you don’t just deliver products – you help shape what’s next.

What is the role where you can innovate?

TekniPlex is hiring an Associate Development Engineer to join the Innovation R&D Group at our Global Innovation Center in Holland, Ohio. The Associate Development Engineer is an introductory role to support the development and commercialization of innovative packaging technologies within the Global Innovation Center. This role will work under the direction of the Director of Innovation, and closely with other Development Engineers, scientists, and cross-functional teams to execute exploratory research and development projects, generate technical data, develop proof-of-concept prototypes, and support innovation initiatives from concept through validation. The successful candidate will have a strong technical foundation, a hands-on approach to experimentation, and a passion for developing sustainable packaging solutions

What technical skills do you have?

• Basic knowledge of materials science, chemistry, and engineering fundamentals.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing methods and analytical techniques.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience preparing technical reports and presentations.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Hands-on, self-motivated approach to innovation and experimentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills in a global environment.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for developing sustainable packaging solutions.

Research & Development

• Support and lead exploratory R&D projects and process trials focused on new packaging technologies and materials.
• Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials.
• Generate technical data to evaluate material performance, manufacturability, and commercial feasibility.
• Create proof-of-concept prototypes and support scale-up activities.

Testing & Analysis

• Conduct performance testing including mechanical, barrier, dimensional, and environmental evaluations.
• Support analytical testing and material characterization using laboratory instrumentation.
• Analyze experimental results and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records, technical reports, and project documentation.

Project Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sustainability, Quality, and Operations.
• Support project planning, milestone tracking, and technical reviews.
• Prepare technical summaries, presentations, and reports for management and innovation review meetings.
• Assist in identifying new technology opportunities, industry trends, and competitive developments.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute ideas that advance the company's innovation pipeline and sustainability objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory operations, testing methods, and prototyping capabilities.

What innovative skills do you bring to the role?

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in packaging, paper science, molded fiber, polymers, coatings, or related materials technologies is preferred.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments, testing, and data analysis.

Travel 

• Up to 10% domestic and international travel may be required to support development trials, customer interactions, supplier visits, and technology evaluations.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $80,000-$90,000 with annual bonus potential