New Product Dev. Engineer

POSITION DESCRIPTION   Job Title: New Product Development Engineer Department:  Press New Product Development Job Type: Full Time Job Status: Salary Exempt   General Scope of Responsibilities:  Lead and execute new product development initiatives through research, experimentation, and collaboration to deliver innovative solutions that meet AstenJohnson product principles and customer needs. This role combines material science, product development, and process integration to bring new products from concept through commercialization. Specific Responsibilities: Manage assigned product development and research projects from concept through commercialization Plan and conduct experiments to develop polymeric materials, blends, and product solutions Produce and evaluate product samples using pilot and manufacturing equipment Ensure projects meet defined specifications, milestones, and timelines Collaborate with manufacturing and process engineers to ensure smooth product scale-up and commercialization Develop and implement new test methods and procedures; integrate into standard quality systems Analyze competitive materials, published data, and industry trends to drive innovation Generate technical data, reports, and customer-facing documentation Ensure cost tracking and technical documentation are accurate and maintained Provide technical support to internal teams and field personnel, including trial support Collaborate with external partners including suppliers, universities, and testing labs Monitor emerging technologies and contribute to digital manufacturing and innovation strategies Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and change readiness Translate customer and paper machine requirements into viable product designs Build technical knowledge and capabilities in materials, processing, and product performance Support cross-functional alignment between R&D, marketing, and manufacturing Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment Reporting Relationships:   Direct:  Reports to Press Global Innovation Leader Coordination:  Works closely with Manufacturing, Marketing, CIT, and customers to achieve goals   Qualifications & Skills: Papermaking technology knowledge or industry experience highly preferred Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with experience in equipment and process prototyping and complex problem-solving Consistent project management discipline with a structured, milestone-driven approach, effective task sequencing, and consistent achievement of short- and long-term goals. High level of personal accountability with the ability to work independently and drive projects to completion Previous working experience in Textile or PMC desired Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD for drafting and modeling Strong knowledge of polymer materials and manufacturing processes, i.e. polymer extrusion, desirable Lean and Six Sigma certification or experience is an asset Knowledge and experience with Industry 4.0 and digital transformation in manufacturing is an asset Effective collaboration and communication skills across functions Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and statistical tools Ability to analyze complex technical challenges and develop practical engineering solutions Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project) and Stage Gate processes Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Polymer Science, Textile or related field Physical Requirements: Ability to sit/stand at a desk, and in meetings as needed Walking through the manufacturing facility and office area Ability to wear safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves and earplugs while in manufacturing area Ability to lift 10-20lbs   Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the above position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time to meet organizational needs.