Product Development Engineer (Escanaba, MI)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Performance-based bonuses

Multiple medical plans

Generous 401(k) offerings

Company-paid disability insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Billerud AB in Escanaba, Michigan, is seeking a Product Development Engineer to lead product development for sustainable paper and packaging materials. The role involves managing trials, addressing quality issues, and training new engineers.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Paper Engineering and at least two years of relevant experience. Billerud offers competitive compensation, career growth opportunities, and a focus on employee well-being.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead product development objectives.
• Manage trial records and coordinate with Corp PD.
• Lead Kaizen on quality and machine uptime.
• Continue skills training and teach new engineers.
• Travel as required for customer visits.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to contribute to and lead teams

Strong interpersonal skills

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

Tools

PVR

Parcview

Foxboro

Job description

At Billerud we believe that when we have tomorrow in mind, we will do our very best today. It is thanks to our employees that we are a world‑leading company within the field of renewable paper and packaging materials. Do you want to realize your true value and work for a sustainable tomorrow? Join us!

Summary Description

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 of 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.

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.

Why us?

At Billerud, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking team dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. We’re committed to supporting your growth, well‑being, and long‑term success.

• 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).
• 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.