Product Development Engineer

Sappi; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Product Development Engineer based in Westbrook, Maine. This role involves developing environmentally friendly products for the packaging and specialties printing industries. The successful candidate will collaborate with marketing and manufacturing teams to enhance product performance and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry or related field and significant experience in product development, particularly in coated paper and flexible packaging. Strong knowledge of papermaking processes and materials is essential.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years industrial experience in product development.
• Experience in coated paper board, flexible packaging, and barrier technology development.
• Understanding of paper-making and coating chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new products in collaboration with teams.
• Manage technical aspects of material selection and product design.
• Lead projects for cost reduction and product development.

Skills

Product development

Chemical Engineering

Polymer chemistry

Papermaking equipment knowledge

Education

PhD, Master's, or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields

Job description

Product Development Engineer Role

Involves technology development as it relates to all aspects of coated paper design for both packaging and specialties printing/converting businesses. The successful candidate will work as part of a team on developing new technology and products to make more environmentally friendly, better performing and profitable products into the next decade. This role involves strong collaborations with marketing, procurement and manufacturing functions as well as co-development with our customer and supplier partners.

Accountabilities

• Reports to the Sustainable Packaging Group Manager at the Sappi NA Technology Center in Westbrook Maine.
• Responsible for all technical aspects of material selection, test development, product testing and design to ensure product offerings meet market and customer expectations.
• Responsible for functional coating and application development, including binders, pigments, and process additives and assessment of new supplier offerings.
• Develop new designs incorporating the use of materials from renewable resources, creating environmentally advantaged products.
• Provides support and technical leadership to strategic projects driven by the needs of the business.
• Coordinates and executes complex internal and external pilot plant and manufacturing trials.
• Leads or participates on cross‑functional teams for cost reduction and product development initiatives.

Requirements

• PhD, Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Pulp and Paper Science.
• 5-10 years industrial experience in product development. Experience in coated paper board, flexible packaging paper and barrier technology development a plus.
• Knowledge and application of polymer chemistry is preferred or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment, with a proven ability to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Solid applications level understanding of paper‑making, coating chemistry and process from both practical and fundamental chemical aspects.
• Strong knowledge of papermaking equipment, and the interaction between materials and process.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.