Product Development Engineer

Magnera Corporation; Abercwmboi; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in materials solutions seeks a Product Development Engineer for the Forestry segment at their Aberdare facility. This role will lead innovative product developments and engage with customers, ensuring market competitiveness. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and substantial experience in product development, specifically in extrusion processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in polymer chemistry.
• At least 5 years of professional experience desirable.
• Ability to lead major development projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the development of new products from concept to commercialization.
• Evaluate inquiries through prototypes, tests, and validation.
• Support product launches and optimize processes.

Skills

Creativity

Analytical thinking

Relationship-building skills

Strategic and conceptual thinking

Independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science field (e.g., polymer chemistry)

Job description

Overview

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered material solutions to help their partners thrive. Despite economic upheavals, global pandemics, and changing end-user needs, they have consistently solved problems and exceeded expectations. By uniting these legacy companies, Magnera offers a broad portfolio of products and materials, fostering resilience and building lasting personal partnerships in a changing world.

Responsibilities

The Product Development Engineer - Forestry is responsible for all product innovations, developments, and cost reduction activities within the segment, ensuring customer requirements are met and the company maintains market leadership.

This role involves leading product innovations and developments for the Forestry segment at the Aberdare production facility, supporting sales growth by solving customer issues and maintaining productivity and cost competitiveness. The engineer will collaborate closely with operations, quality, procurement, and the commercial team on projects with clear business value.

1. Lead and execute the development of new or improved products based on research, new technologies, and customer needs, from concept to commercialization. Assess technical and commercial feasibility, prepare and gain approval for Business Opportunity Case Assessments (BOCAs), working with operations, key account managers, and marketing. (Essential)
2. Plan, manage, execute, and report on new product trials post-BOCA approval, working closely with procurement, process engineering, quality, and production teams.
3. Evaluate inquiries and new specifications through prototypes, tests, and validation processes. (Essential)
4. Assess safety risks associated with new developments, manage risks with the EHS manager, and ensure safe trial conduct. Transfer new products to operations with safety concerns mitigated or eliminated.
5. Support the commercial team to ensure successful product launches. (Essential)
6. Provide information and support for R&D and sales presentations, strategy development, patent protection, administration, reporting, and collaboration with external partners. (Essential)
7. Recommend product modifications based on customer feedback and market surveys. (Essential)
8. Develop product specifications in cooperation with operations, including testing protocols and process alignment with process engineers.
9. Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, universities, laboratories, and stakeholders.
10. Advise and support process and cost optimization initiatives led by Operations.
11. Conduct benchmarking studies on competitor products to identify differentiation and development opportunities.
12. Proactively seek and implement new technologies or combinations for product innovation and improvement.
13. Research and integrate new raw materials, managing their qualification and regulatory approval processes.
14. Assist the commercial team in building technical relationships with key accounts to identify growth opportunities.

This is a site-based role at Aberdare (CF44 6DA) with some travel requirements. No agencies please. The successful candidate must provide proof of right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

Education (Degree/Major): Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science field such as polymer chemistry.

Certifications: None required.

Work Experience (Ideal but not essential):

• At least 5 years of professional experience.
• Experience in extrusion processes.
• Proven ability to lead major development projects.

Language: Fluent in English (verbal and written). High computer literacy required.

Competencies

• Creativity
• Independence
• Relationship-building skills
• Analytical thinking
• Strategic and conceptual thinking