Product Development Engineer

Position: New Product Development Engineer
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About the Role The New Product Development Engineer provides technical expertise to support the development and commercialization of new specialty material products. This role works closely with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality to translate customer and market needs into technically feasible, commercially viable products.

The New Product Development Engineer will plan and execute laboratory experiments, prototypes, pilot and manufacturing trials, recommend products for new opportunities, and coordinate cross-functional development activities through commercialization. The position will also provide technical support for existing products and manufacturing processes while identifying opportunities to improve performance, cost, and customer value.

Key Responsibilities Develop new products aligned with Ahlstrom's growth strategy by translating customer, market, and business needs into product concepts, prototypes, specifications, and commercial solutions. Plan, design, conduct, and analyze laboratory experiments, product prototypes, pilot trials, and manufacturing trials to achieve defined product performance targets and project timelines.

Partner directly with customers and Sales to understand application requirements and recommend existing products or define requirements for new product development.

Coordinate cross-functional development activities across Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality to ensure projects are effectively prioritized, communicated, and executed.

Develop and maintain product specifications, test methods, technical documentation, and cost standards necessary to support successful commercialization. Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing troubleshooting and problem-solving involving new and existing products and processes. Support procurement and manufacturing initiatives focused on cost reduction, material optimization, and improved product performance. Monitor industry, market, technology, and competitive product trends to identify new product opportunities, potential threats, and product enhancements.

Partner with Marketing to evaluate new market segments, applications, and product categories and provide technical input regarding Ahlstrom's capabilities. Track project milestones, document technical results, and communicate progress and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.

Identify opportunities to generate new technical knowledge and, where applicable, intellectual property that supports business growth and competitive advantage. Follow applicable Ahlstrom safety, quality, manufacturing, hygiene, and regulatory requirements and ensure new products are developed with these requirements in mind.

Build productive working relationships across technical, commercial, and operations teams and with appropriate external technical resources.

Visit customers and support trials as required, with travel up to approximately 20%. Work flexible hours when necessary to provide appropriate coverage for product and manufacturing trials.

Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related engineering/technical discipline.
2+ years of relevant experience in product development, manufacturing, process engineering, coatings, chemicals, specialty materials, or a related technical environment.

Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrated ability to plan experiments, analyze results, draw technical conclusions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple development projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to…