R&D Specialist

About the Role  Reporting to the Inno Center Manager & R&D NPD coordinator for MK, you will be part of the R&D team based in Verona, driving business growth through the development of innovative solutions that address market trends and customer needs, while contributing to top‑line growth and gross margin improvement.
Mission and Key Priorities   Define, execute, and manage experimental protocols (DoE) and analytical methodologies using dedicated laboratory instruments (e.g., FTIR, contact angle measurement, microscopy, and paper‑industry-specific testing equipment) to support new product development and product optimisation, in line with the company Stage‑Gate process.
Support in the planning of scale‑up activities, from pilot‑scale trials to full industrialisation, ensuring product performance validation and successful transfer into manufacturing.
Develop and maintain project documentation according to Fedrigoni’s internal processes, procedures, and tools, ensuring lessons learned are captured, shared, and leveraged to drive continuous improvement within the RDI organisation.
Support the RDI team in analysing product requests and customer briefs, evaluating technical feasibility and defining the most effective development approach.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (R&D, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, and customers) to align expectations, ensure effective communication, and successfully execute projects.
Manage relationships with external suppliers in collaboration with Procurement and Operations teams, while contributing to competitor benchmarking and technology scouting activities to identify innovation opportunities and support the development of future solutions.
Qualifications   Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
At least 5 years of previous experience in R&D laboratories, preferably within an industrial environment.
Knowledge of industrial paper transformation technologies and previous experience in the Paper Industry (Production, Quality, Laboratory, or Research functions) will be considered a strong plus.
Highly motivated, rigorous, flexible, and detail-oriented professional with a proactive approach.
Strong teamwork attitude, service orientation, and results-driven mindset.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Strong communication and technical writing skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to different stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritise activities according to business and stakeholder needs.
Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, supporting product development from laboratory scale through pilot trials and industrialisation.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis, reporting, and project monitoring.
Knowledge of SAP and CRM tools will be considered a plus.
Fluent in Italian and English, both written and spoken.
Availability for short business trips, mainly in Northern Italy and Europe.
Selection Process  The selection process includes interviews with Operations Global HRBP, Inno Center Manager & R&D NPD coordinator for MK, R&D Italy Manager and R&D Director.
EEO Statement  We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate your needs. We are committed to ensure that every person feels connected, that their uniqueness is valued and celebrated and that everyone feels that they belong.
Based in:
Verona Innovation Center.

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