Product Development Engineer

A leading manufacturer of thermal media products is seeking a Product Development Engineer. You will play a key role in the research, development, and continuous improvement of thermal media products throughout their entire lifecycle.

In this role, you will leverage your technical expertise to develop innovative product formulations, optimize manufacturing processes, resolve production challenges, and support successful product launches in the North American market.

• Design and develop new and improved thermal media products by researching materials, processing methods, and product formulations to meet customer requirements.
• Support product lifecycle management through continuous product improvement, cost reduction initiatives, and adaptation of products for the North American market.
• Conduct patent investigations to support formulation development and ensure product innovation.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze test results, and make technical recommendations based on data.
• Research, source, and evaluate raw materials, considering availability, quality, performance, and cost.
• Analyze material characteristics, recommend qualified suppliers, and participate in vendor qualification activities with the Purchasing team.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes associated with new product development and innovation.
• Define equipment requirements, review production methods, and support process implementation from pilot to full-scale production.
• Conduct production trials and pre-mass production evaluations, analyzing process data to establish operating parameters and process specifications.
• Investigate manufacturing and product performance issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Plan and manage assigned development projects, monitor progress, and provide regular status updates to management.
• Prepare technical reports and present project results and product recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Provide on-site technical support during critical customer product launches and collaborate with customers to ensure successful implementation.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in product development, process development, manufacturing engineering, or R&D within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of materials selection, formulation development, process optimization, and laboratory testing methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret technical data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Sales.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites to provide technical support.

• Experience with thermal media, coatings, specialty papers, films, adhesives, or related industrial materials.
• Familiarity with product commercialization, scale-up, and manufacturing process validation.
• Knowledge of patent research and intellectual property considerations.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification and material evaluation.