Project Leader

Sappi; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Product Development Engineer in Maine to advance coatings for packaging and specialty papers. The role focuses on technology development, environmental improvements, and profitable product design for the next decade.

You will collaborate with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing, leading pilot trials and cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions with customers and supplier partners.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or pulp & paper science.
• 5–10 years industrial product development experience.
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently or in a team and deliver on time.
• Solid understanding of papermaking, coating chemistry, and processing.
• Experience with papermaking equipment and coating processes.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Support material selection, test development, and product design to meet market needs.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional teams for cost reduction and development initiatives.
• Coordinate pilot plant and manufacturing trials, both internal and external.
• Develop new designs incorporating renewable resources to create environmentally advantaged products.
• Provide technical leadership to strategic projects driven by business needs.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing functions.
• Work with customers and supplier partners on co-development efforts.

Skills

Coating chemistry

Polymer chemistry

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Education

PhD/Master's/Bachelor in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science

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.