R&D Engineer - Flexibles

TOPPAN Packaging Americas specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable, high-performance flexible and thermoformed packaging solutions for the food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high barrier films, pouches, clamshells and trays, utilizing advanced technology to enhance product safety, visibility and environmental sustainability.

TOPPAN Packaging Americas operates as part of the global TOPPAN group, with 22 manufacturing facilities across North America, Latin America and Europe.

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Description:

This is a progression position with the level being based on candidate experience and business needs as an R&D Engineer. You will drive technical programs focused on the development of new flexible packaging products and/or technologies. In this role, you will lead all development and technical activities for assigned projects, delivering new packaging solutions to many of the world’s most recognized brands.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in polymer and/or paper science, materials engineering, or packaging technology, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges.

What you'll be doing:

Lead technical activities to develop new flexible packaging structures, capabilities

Translate market or customer requirements into specifications and design products that meet these criteria.

Develop and lead pilot, production, and filling/packaging trials.

Interface with business leaders, customers, and external partners to discuss development activities and needs.

Coordinate activities to accomplish tasks using available internal and external resources.

Stay current with industry trends, material and process developments, and the competitive landscape to leverage and share that knowledge within the business.

Build subject matter expertise for key focus areas and act as a consultant within the business for these areas.

Prepare written and verbal presentations, project plans, updates, and reports for internal and external use.

Travel to suppliers, customers, and other innovation partners and for conferences, trade shows, or training.

Collaborate with sales, marketing, supply management, engineering, sustainability, and other functions to identify needs and solutions., or technological advancements.

This is an ONSITE position located out of our Charlotte, NC or Chicago, IL (Elk Grove Village) facilities.

We’d love to hear from you if:

Education:

Bachelor of Science, preferably in Engineering, Science, Packaging, or Plastics

Experience:

5-10 years in a Product/Package Development or Manufacturing role.

Preferred manufacturing processes include blown film production, extrusion coating and laminating, printing (rotogravure/flexographic), pouching, and form/fill/seal conversion.

Experience in retort and hot fill applications or the following markets would be a plus: pet food, dairy, coffee, chilled and frozen food, healthcare, or personal care.

Material science (OPP, PET, PE, Nylon, paper, and foil) knowledge

New product development, packaging applications

Project management (multitasking, prioritization, time and budget management, planning and executing)
Technical writing & oral communication

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this role is from $90,000 to $100,000

This is a progression position with the level being based on candidate experience and business needs.

At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support our employees’ overall wellbeing. This includes competitive pay, robust benefits, and programs that help you thrive both personally and professionally. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary based on your work location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
401(k) retirement plan with company match

Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services

Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family

Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. We also provide reasonable…