Product Development Engineer

ProAmpac; Ulster; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ProAmpac is seeking a Product Development Engineer to create, develop, design and test new and improved products, materials and processes in packaging. You will collaborate with global teams to translate research into scalable solutions, drive projects and ensure on-time delivery.

You will work with substrates, processes and specifications, contribute to cost improvements and support quality and regulatory compliance across EU standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging or chemical engineering preferred.
• 2–4 years’ experience in flexible packaging.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean methodologies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and resolve technical issues.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, develop and test new or improved products and structures; create specifications, document and implement solutions, and monitor progress from pilot trials through to commercial scale-up.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale research to support product and process innovation and improvement, translating findings into commercial processes.
• Collaborate with global and national brand managers, sales, manufacturing, engineering, quality teams and material and process suppliers to develop specifications and evaluate and control the properties of substrates, materials and processes.
• Support the qualification of substrates, development materials and processes for existing and new ProAmpac products.
• Provide product performance and technical information to support marketing activities, and support customer innovation sessions to develop new product concepts.
• Write product evaluation protocols, carry out testing and prepare engineering reports with recommendations.
• Validate materials and processes in accordance with applicable standards, and keep up to date with emerging materials, processes and technologies.

Skills

Independent work

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in packaging or chemical engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Outlook

Job description

Help shape the next generation of packaging at ProAmpac. We’re looking for a Product Development Engineer to create, develop, design and test new and improved products, materials and processes. Supporting the goals of our commercial organisation, you’ll help drive development, growth and profitability in an ever-changing market, with a focus on quality, cost and on‑time delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Research, design, develop and test new or improved products and structures; create specifications, document and implement solutions, and monitor progress from pilot trials through to commercial scale-up.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale research to support product and process innovation and improvement, translating findings into commercial processes.
• Collaborate with global and national brand managers, sales, manufacturing, engineering, quality teams and material and process suppliers to develop specifications and evaluate and control the properties of substrates, materials and processes.
• Support the qualification of substrates, development materials and processes for both existing and new ProAmpac products.
• Manage and support the administration of Irish R&D grant aid and R&D tax credits.
• Provide technical expertise to resolve moderately complex issues and support projects.
• Drive product development and innovation projects through effective project management, including progress updates, stage-gate documentation, project plans and Gantt charts, intellectual property records and freedom-to-use documentation.
• Complete project cost analyses to assess opportunities for commercial success.
• Provide product performance and technical information to support marketing activities, and support or lead customer innovation sessions to develop new product concepts.
• Write product evaluation protocols, carry out testing and prepare engineering reports with recommendations.
• Validate materials and processes in accordance with applicable EU, Irish and FDA standards, and keep up to date with emerging materials, processes and technologies.
• Provide coaching and mentoring, with opportunities to act as a first-line supervisor or team leader as required.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and carry out other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally in packaging or chemical engineering, together with training in statistics and statistical process control.
• Two to four years’ experience in flexible packaging.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma or Lean.
• Familiarity with blown film and lamination processes would be an advantage.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and resolve complex technical issues.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook.
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive information.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills, including written communication and presentations to executive leadership, colleagues and internal and external clients.
• A proactive approach, sound judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions.
• A self‑motivated, confident and professional approach, with the ability to thrive in a challenging, fast‑paced environment.