Product Development Specialist-Manufacturing

Waterford Search Selection Advisory; Cornwall; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Cornwall is seeking a Product Development Specialist to innovate and commercialize upholstery solutions. The role involves developing formulations and evaluating materials while collaborating with various departments. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in polymer chemistry and product development.

Qualifications

• Experience in concept to commercial polymeric materials product development.
• Understanding of process related statistical methods and design of experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop coated textile and foam products according to APQP system.
• Evaluate raw materials and formulate polymeric vinyl compounds.
• Provide technical support to sales and manufacturing.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Project Management

Education

University Degree in Chemistry

University Degree in Chemical Engineering

University Degree in Materials Science

Job description

As a Product Development Specialist, you will be developing and commercializing innovative new upholstery solutions for diverse markets as part of a team of talented professionals. This involves rational and structured concept-to-commercial product development of Vinyl and non-halogenated polymeric material using scientific and engineering principles. You will be working with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Process Improvement resources. This role reports to the Vice President of New Product Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop coated textile and foam products in accordance with said company's Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) system.
• Develop coated textile and foam products in accordance with company's occupational health and safety rules and support the company's safety initiatives.
• Develop formulations from concept in lab settings and scale to manufacturing level using scientific methodologies and applying polymer chemistry and engineering principles.
• Evaluate raw materials and formulate polymeric vinyl compounds for PVC plastisol, PVC dry blends for plastisol casting and extrusion melt processing.
• Evaluate raw materials and formulate polymeric non-halogen polymeric compounds (TPO, TPE, TPU and others) for extrusion melt processing.
• Engage and liaise with suppliers to keep up to date for novel polymer and additive technologies that benefit the company's technical short and long-term requirements and evaluate suitable technologies using lab scale preparation and testing.
• Evaluate and specify suitable textile and foam components for upholstery products.
• Evaluate surface modification technologies such as top finishes, grain and to meet demanding customer requirements.
• Participate in customer project discussions and act as technical liaison to customers.
• Provide technical support to the company's resources such as sales, manufacturing, quality.

Education and Experience :

• Minimum a University Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or other suitable degree
• Experience in concept to commercial polymeric materials product development
• Experience in coated textile product development for diverse market
• Ability to translate customer requirements into viable and scalable material technologies
• Experience of working with APQP development process
• Understanding of process related statistical methods, problem solving tools and design of experiments.
• Experience and understanding developing flexible PVC formulations for plastisol and melt processing applications.
• Knowledge of non-halogenated thermoplastic and elastomer formulation and processing.
• Experience formulating polymeric compositions and deep understanding of resin and additive technologies to develop effective compositions for diverse product applications.
• Experience using analytical tools to identify and resolve technical problems independently or in cross-functional teams.

Key Skills and Competencies :

• Strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in lab, office and production environment.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with a diverse global company.
• Effective Project Management and time management capabilities