R&D Technical Lead

SWM International; Town of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mativ is seeking an R&D Technical Lead in Middletown, DE to drive development for Naltex (netting) and Delnet (apertured film) product lines, leading projects from planning to execution and coordinating with Engineering and Operations. You will handle IQ/OQ/PQ, standard work, and production-process optimization, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001 standards.

The role requires BS in Engineering with 5–10 years of manufacturing/R&D, strong project management, and hands-on polymer processing

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering (chemical, polymer/plastic, or mechanical) with 5–10 years in manufacturing or R&D.
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and infrequently internationally.
• Project management experience in a manufacturing/R&D setting.
• Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing process environment.
• Experience with polymer extrusion, web handling, slitting, winding of rolled media preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical tools such as Minitab.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical contact for Naltex and Delnet products; maintain and develop the segment.
• Collaborate with customers, marketing, and sales to develop and modify products and transition to Engineering/Operations.
• Direct R&D and Process Team members to complete projects.
• Conduct IQ, OQ, and PQ for process machinery and equipment.
• Develop and implement systems that optimize all production phases.
• Produce standard work instructions and process flow diagrams per ISO 9001.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to ensure project success.
• Provide process troubleshooting and implementation support.
• Present to stakeholders on process development and problem solving.
• Recommend improvements such as light-weighting and packaging designs.
• Partner with customers and sales to improve existing products and commercialize new ones.
• Perform trials to qualify new production processes.
• Research, design, and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes, and equipment.
• Work on several design fronts in parallel and monitor project metrics.
• Document all phases of R&D and support other R&D teams.
• Define SOC and materials for new products and identify alternate material sources.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Travel up to 30% domestically

Manufacturing experience

Polymer extrusion/processing

Minitab (statistical software)

Education

BS in Engineering (chemical, polymer/plastic, or mechanical)

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Company offers a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that connect, protect, and purify our world.

POSITION TITLE

R&D Technical Lead

LOCATION:

Middletown, DE

DESCRIPTION

The R&D Technical Lead is responsible for the technical development of the Naltex (30-70%) and Delnet (30-70%) product lines, including the investigation, planning, and execution of process and product development projects. Naltex is our brand for diamond-pattern netting, while Delnet is our brand for apertured films. The position reports directly to the Nettings R&D Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point of contact for technical questions related to our Naltex (diamond pattern netting) and Delnet (apertured film) products. Maintain and further develop this product segment.
• Works with customers, marketing and sales to develop and modify new products; commercializes said products through transition to Engineering and Operations personnel at the various manufacturing sites.
• Direct R&D and Process Team support team members to assist in completing projects.
• Conduct and document Installation qualification (IQ), operations qualification (OQ) and process qualification (PQ) of process machinery and equipment
• Develop and implement systems that optimize all phases of production processes
• Produce standard work instructions, process flow diagram in compliance with ISO 9001 guidelines for new products.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to ensure satisfactory project design and implementation
• Provide process and troubleshooting support as needed.
• Provide presentations to align stakeholders on process development and problem solving work.
• Make recommendations on functional product improvements such as light-weighting, new packaging designs, and/or performance improvements.
• Partner with customers and sales to improve existing products and commercialize new products
• Perform trials to evaluate and qualify new production processes.
• Research, design and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes and equipment.
• Work in parallel on several design fronts.
• Monitor project metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Support and cooperate with other R&D teams within the project.
• Define the standard process conditions (SOC) and materials for new products.
• Identify alternate material sources in the BOM to reduce costs and qualify suppliers.
• Research and present options for the purchase of new manufacturing technology.
• Create ERP items for new products.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• BS in Engineering (preferably chemical, polymer/plastic, or mechanical) plus 5-10 years of manufacturing or R&D experience
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and infrequently internationally
• Project management experience
• Experienced working in a 24/7 manufacturing process environment
• Experienced in polymer extrusion, web handling, slitting, winding of rolled media is preferred
• Statistical software tools such as Minitab

Preferred

• Hands-on plastics extrusion/processing or continuous process experience preferred.

Competencies

• Experimental methods such as correlation analysis and DOE.
• Leadership and team mentoring

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position.

WHAT WE OFFER

Mativ benefits say a lot about how we care for each other. Our employees and their families have many different needs. As a result, our benefits offer choices on many levels and are high in quality, competitive in the marketplace, and affordable.

ABOUT MATIV

Mativ Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The company connects, protects, and purifies the world every day through a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that solve our customers' most complex challenges. We manufacture on three continents and generate sales in nearly 100 countries through our family of business-to-business and consumer product brands. The company's two segments, Filtration & Advanced Materials and Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions, target premium applications across diversified and growing end-markets, from filtration to healthcare to sustainable packaging and more. Our broad portfolio of technologies combines polymers, fibers, and resins to optimize the performance of our customers' products across multiple stages of the value chain. Our leading positions are a testament to our best-in-class global manufacturing, supply chain, and materials science capabilities. We drive innovation and enhance performance, finding potential in the impossible.