PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

Join our esteemed team at ORAFOL Americas Inc.'s Reflective Solutions Division situated in Avon, Connecticut.  Our temperature-controlled manufacturing facility provides a clean and comfortable working environment.

The Product Development Engineer leads new product development projects through the ORAFOL Americas Inc. Product Development Process (PDP) to commercialization. The Engineer may improve the value of current products by adding performance features or by addressing deficiencies, leading to new designs and/or applications. The quantity and scope of the projects will vary. All aspects of continuous improvement, from raw materials through converting to the final customer, are included.

Form the cross-functional team necessary to complete the development projects:

• Develop new products by building on and improving existing products.
• Develop new products using existing capabilities.
• Develop new capabilities to be used in new products.
• Develop new processes or methodologies in the creation of products.

Must coordinate and contribute to work in each of the following disciplines. 

• Capabilities: To create and fully understand the performance of the new development.
• Sales/Marketing: To define and document the customer requirements. 
• Manufacturing: To develop and document new processes as needed. 
• Quality: To establish quality standards and methods of verification.

• Lead the Team to complete the tasks through each gate as described in the PDP.
• Assume responsibility for the completion and documentation of each task.
• Control and document expenditures associated with the project.
• Provide technical and supply chain/logistics support to areas of expertise including coatings, resins, films and others as directed.
• Provide technical training as needed.
• Definition and procurement of new materials and/or equipment.
• Work with vendors to establish quality requirements of new materials and/or equipment.
• Coordinate initiation and document completion of all testing including interpretation and reporting of the results.
• Assist in the establishment of the Product Development budget.
• Process purchase orders for the acquisition of chemicals, resins, additives, etc.
• Work with customers on the project front end to establish product requirements and on the project back end during customer use tests and field trials.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing in areas of problem solving and troubleshooting as required.
• Provide technical support to help define and resolve customer complaints, issues, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as the business dictates.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow corporate EH&S guidelines in accordance to ORAFOL Americas Safety program; including the use of required PPE.
• Maintains an optimal level of product quality and adheres to ORAFOL’s Quality Program.

ORAFOL Reflective Solutions operates on a 24/5 schedule.  All full-time positions offer a competitive compensation, a fully vested 401K program with company match upon eligibility, health, dental, and vision insurance available on the first of the month following hire, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) reimbursements, company-sponsored disability, basic life, AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $135,000 commensurate with experience. 

Education Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering required.

Work Experience:

• 0-5 years of experience working in a plastics, film and/or coating industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required.
• Adhesives experience desired.

Aptitudes & Characteristics: 

• Self-motivated.
• Driven for results.
• Proven ability to lead when necessary and be a strong team member as called upon.
• Excellent communication skills - verbal and written.
• Ability to work with all levels of the organization and customers.
• Awareness of new industry practices, technology, technical journals, etc.
• Limited supervision required.
• Must has a positive “can do” attitude and a sense of accountability; takes initiative.
• Must be a fast learner, driven and self-motivated; strive towards continuous improvement.