Principal Product Development Engineer

Sealed Air Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 81,900 - 141,335; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions, driving sustainable product development in Industrials. The role focuses on innovative polymer formulations, lab-to-production transition, and collaboration across Business, Supply Chain and Quality teams to deliver robust, cost-effective solutions.

The candidate will lead cross-functional teams through development cycles, identify IP opportunities, and monitor regulatory and environmental sustainability considerations for continuous

Qualifications

• BS/ MS/ PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science & Engineering, or Materials Engineering.
• Industrial or R&D experience in polymer processing or polymer materials is preferred.
• 3–6 years minimum experience recommended in polymer and/or ink chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Drive and execute new product development projects for Industrials applications via polymer formulations and product feature creation.
• Discover unmet market needs and opportunities in partnership with Business teams and leadership.
• Develop external partnerships (materials suppliers, OEMs, universities) to monitor state of the art.
• Design and execute formulation and processing trials (lab, pilot, production).
• Lead cross-functional teams of technicians and engineers through product development lifecycle.
• Identify and pursue potential IP opportunities.
• Support Business, Supply Chain and Quality teams to resolve quality issues and maintenance activities.
• Monitor regulatory landscape and advise on staying ahead of the curve.
• Identify environmental sustainability opportunities.
• Collaborate with project management on monthly reporting and budgets.
• Incorporate Design for Manufacturing concepts and transition tech to Supply Chain.

Skills

Polymer science

Chemical engineering

Materials engineering

Polymer processing

Project management

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science & Engineering, or Materials Engineering

Job description

Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions that protect essential goods transported worldwide, preserve food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We strive to foster a caring, high-performance growth culture that will deliver consistent, sustainable profitable growth and accelerate our performance – a culture where accountability is clear and aligned, and where we reward business outcomes and impact. That culture guides everything we do, including how we partner with our customers and suppliers, how we attract and retain top talent, and how we create and deliver value to our stakeholders. In 2025, Sealed Air generated $5.4 billion in sales and has approximately 16,100 employees who serve customers in 119 countries/territories. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Research and Development (R&D) Director for Industrials Solutions Development the individual is responsible for driving the R&D mission which includes the development and timely delivery of innovative, sustainable, robust, and cost-effective product solutions in alignment with the corporate strategy.

Job Description

• Drive and execute new product development projects for Industrials applications via innovative polymer/material formulations and product feature creation to maximize customer and end-user delight.
• Discover and explore new business, unmet market needs, and technology opportunities in partnership with Business teams, technical experts, and leadership.
• Develop and leverage external partnerships (materials suppliers, OEMs, universities) to monitor the state of the art and use these relationships to drive innovation.
• Design and execute formulation and processing trials (lab, pilot, and production scale), alignment with other functions for testing, communication with the appropriate operational personnel, and presenting results to project teams and management.
• Effectively lead cross-functional teams of technicians and engineers throughout product development lifecycle. Manage trial logistics and budgets.
• Identify and pursue potential IP opportunities.
• Support Business, Supply chain and Quality teams to resolve quality issues, and other business maintenance activities.
• Monitor competitive and regulatory landscape and make proactive recommendations to stay ahead of the curve.
• Identify and pursue potential environmental sustainability opportunities.
• Partner with project management team for monthly reporting, project expense tracking, timeline development and adherence.
• Incorporate principles of Design for Manufacturing into new product development & transition new product and process technology to the Supply Chain organization in a timely and collaborative fashion.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively in a cross functional organization on innovation projects. Use strong presentation skills to present technical information to audiences with diverse backgrounds and connect technical concepts to business outcomes.

Basic Qualificactions

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science & Engineering, or Materials Engineering
• Industrial and/or research and development experience in polymer processing, development of polymeric materials or polymer and ink chemistry preferred, 3-6 years minimum

Additional Qualifications

• Solid understanding of structure-process-performance relation of polymeric materials and working understanding of polymer processing (extrusion, flexographic printing process and material…)
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to break down technical concepts for a non-technical audience
• Evidence of good judgment and decision-making skills, including in complex situations where complete clarity is not available
• Creative and Resourceful, pulls together the necessary tools, equipment and people, to get the job done
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Flexible to travel domestically and internationally, at least 20%
• Project management experience and ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Track record of product development is a plus

Salary Range: $81,900 - $141,335

The range disclosed complies with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Offers within this range will be determined by considering relevant factors including education, experience, and internal alignment. This position may also be eligible for annual performance bonuses and other incentive programs. Sealed Air offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits designed to promote well-being.

Relocation: Yes

Sealed Air is committed to attracting, selecting, and developing talent that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers we serve. We take pride in our selection process to identify, infuse, and grow talent to align with our culture, values, and norms. Sealed Air prioritizes talent development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and career progression.

The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and to all employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.