Product Development Engineer (Escanaba, MI)

Billerud; Escanaba (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful Work

Career Growth

Education Support

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive Benefits

Job summary

Billerud in Escanaba, Michigan, is looking for a Product Development Engineer to develop and lead product initiatives. The role involves new product development, managing trials, and collaborating with teams to enhance product quality and performance.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field and have at least two years of relevant experience. Additional skills in the paper-making industry and trial management are essential. Billerud offers various benefits including education support and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in Process Engineering, Product Development and operational support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead product development and objectives for new products.
• Manage trial records.
• Participate in customer visits.
• Lead Kaizen on quality and machine uptime.
• Continue skills training and teach new engineers.
• Approve FDA portion for new chemicals.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to contribute to and lead teams

Strong interpersonal, analytical and critical thinking skills

Solid presentation and facilitation skills

Attention to detail

Prior paper making industry experience

Experience in developing and running trials

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Engineering or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

The Product Development Engineer will develop and lead product development and objectives to provide leadership and direction for developing new products and recipe changes for new and existing products.

Key Accountabilities

• Product development including new product development, refinement and improvement of current receipts, cost reduction with new suppliers and reduction of chemicals, trial development and scheduling trials with machines, point person to work with Corp PD to ensure continuity of product development. Review and develop resolutions for large quality issues.
• Manage trial records.
• Participate in customer visits.
• Lead Kaizen on quality and machine uptime.
• Continue skills training and participate in teaching of new engineers.
• Approve FDA portion for new chemicals.

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years’ experience in Process Engineering, Product Development and operational support.

Travel

Negotiable.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to contribute to and lead teams.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Solid presentation and facilitation skills.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Prior paper making industry experience.
• Experience in developing and running trials.

Preferred Skills

• Black Belt in Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of PVR, Parcview and Foxboro.
• Statistical Analysis.
• Collecting and analyzing lab data.

Benefits

• Impactful Work – Contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives.
• Career Growth – Access development programs and internal advancement opportunities.
• Education Support – Tuition reimbursement + certificate programs through partner schools.
• Competitive Compensation – Performance based bonus eligibility (role dependent).
• Comprehensive Benefits – Multiple medical plans with virtual care options; Generous 401(k) offerings; HSA contribution match + additional preventive exam contribution; Dental & vision coverage; Company paid disability insurance; Prescription benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.