Development Engineer I

TekniPlex; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

TekniPlex in Winston-Salem, NC seeks a Development Engineer I to join the Flexible Packaging Product Development team. You will help develop innovative packaging structures—from concept through scale-up and commercialization—working with Product Development, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, and Suppliers.

Responsibilities include design optimization of materials, conducting lab tests, analyzing data, and supporting field installations as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with flexible packaging materials and converting is a plus.
• Knowledge of QA, data analysis, and lab testing methods desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new flexible packaging structures from concept to commercialization.
• Design material configurations to meet performance, cost, and regulatory goals.
• Oversee pilot and production trials and document results.

Skills

Lab testing

Process development

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering / Materials Science / Packaging Engineering / Polymer Science

Tools

Lotus Notes

ERP systems

Excel

Minitab

Job description

Imagine: A Career with Purpose and Possibility

Picture this: You are part of a global team of problem-solvers whose innovations in materials science can make life better. Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real-world challenges. You are part of a company whose work helps improve patient outcomes in healthcare and protects essential consumer goods that people around the world rely on every day.

At TekniPlex, you’ll join more than 9,000 colleagues across 12 countries, all united by one purpose: creating safer, smarter solutions that touch daily life. Through our two divisions, TekniPlex Healthcare and TekniPlex Consumer Products, you’ll help shape industries that matter: healthcare, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, beauty, and personal care.

Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You’ll be encouraged to think boldly, collaborate across cultures, and keep growing every step of the way. You will help protect the integrity of essential products, support patient safety and comfort, and contribute to innovations that make everyday life better, all while building a career that makes an impact.

Because at TekniPlex, you don’t just deliver products – you help shape what’s next.

What is the role where you will make an impact?

TekniPlex is seeking a highly motivated Development Engineer I to join our Flexible Packaging Product Development team in Winston-Salem, NC. This entry-level engineering position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative flexible packaging solutions and support their commercialization from concept through full-scale production.

In this collaborative role you will be working closely with experienced Product Development Engineers, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Procurement, Operations, Regulatory, and customers, the successful candidate will participate in the design, development, testing, validation, scale‑up, and commercialization of flexible packaging structures – lidding substrates, pouching substrate, closure liner - for variety of applications consumer products, food & beverage, healthcare, and industrial application.

What will you do?

Product Development

• Lead the development of new flexible packaging structures from concept through commercialization.
• Design materials configuration in order to develop flexible packaging structures to meet performance, manufacturing, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives.
• Supervise pilot and production line trials; generate technical recommendations based on laboratory, pilot, and production trial results.
• Document trial results accurately and in a timely manner in Lotus Notes Trial Request Database.
• Maintain contact with raw material suppliers and identify, evaluate, and recommend new materials for improved performance or reduced cost.
• Use ERP system to create raw materials part code, finished goods recipes.
• Conduct engineering cost calculations (costing) and provide to the pricing analyst.
• Coordinate production trials and assist in scale‑up activities to commercial production.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing development work, trial results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Work with Operations to optimize manufacturability and process capability.
• As required, provide assistance in the field to customers and other company representatives in the successful conversion of customers to new products.

Laboratory Testing & Data Analysis

• Conduct laboratory testing of flexible packaging materials including Seal strength and peel force, Lamination bond strength, Coefficient of friction (COF), Mechanical properties such as Burst strength, Barrier properties, Microscopy, and Product compatibility testing
• Analyze test data and communicate findings clearly.
• Conduct statistical analysis using Excel. Use of Minitab a plus.
• Maintain laboratory data files and technical documentation.

Converting Process

• Write and execute Trial and Test plan involving flexible packaging converting operations including Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion processes, and Paper, polymer film, and aluminum foil converting
• Support investigations related to Material and substrate performance, Process capability, Product quality (Critical to Quality – CTQ), Manufacturing efficiency, and Customer technical issues

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:Product Development Team members, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Operations (logistics, supply chain, other operations functions), Equipment suppliers, Raw material suppliers, Customers

What skills do you bring to the role?

Up to 15% overnight may be required

Able to work extended hours as required

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Ability to effectively communicate in-person or virtual, oral and written

Bachelor’s Degree in: Chemical Engineering (preferred), Materials Science (preferred), Packaging Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Other Engineering or related scientific discipline

1–3 years of engineering or product development experience in flexible packaging, converting, packaging materials, or related industries. Internship, co‑op, undergraduate research, or industrial experience in flexible packaging is highly desirable.

Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Materials: Polymer films, Paper, Aluminum foil, Extrusion resins, Adhesives, Coatings, Sealant technologies, and Sustainable and recyclable packaging structures

Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Processes: Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion, and Web handling and converting operations

Basic project management skills with the ability to navigate complex projects through a global organization, while managing risk, contingency plans, timeline, and results.

Capable of understanding and using analytical (infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, etc) and mechanical/physical test methods; experience with statistical analysis and experimental design and interpreting results and using that information to drive product development

Hands on experience performing routine physical tests (heat‑seal, tensile, COF, barrier, burst, peel.etc); experience interpreting results and using that information to drive product development

Testing method development and test protocol (SOP) writing (if/as necessary)

Knowledge of product development Stage/Gate process, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma methodology, Statistical Analysis (e.g. Minitab) and execution of the same.

Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills

Capable of communicating with customers and operations personnel under stressful or adverse conditions

Proven ability to work with minimal direction, analytical thinking, and problem solving ability

Proficient computer literacy with established basic knowledge in general applications; word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and ERP systems

The compensation package will pay up to $75k plus a target bonus incentive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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