Raw Materials & Product Development Specialist

Balcan Innovations Inc.; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

On-site parking

Bonus program eligibility

Job summary

Balcan Innovations is seeking a Raw Materials & Product Development Specialist to join our Product Technology Group. You will work across functions to qualify raw materials, optimize costs, and support new product development while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The role involves collaborating with operations, manufacturing technology, sales, marketing, supply chain, and suppliers to introduce new materials and products and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (packaging, materials, mechanical, chemical, or related).
• 3–5 years of thermoplastic resin processing experience.
• Knowledge of polymers, extrusion, and converting processes.
• Experience in the flexible packaging industry is preferred.
• Willingness to travel across the US and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Support resin optionality and raw material cost optimization projects.
• Coordinate procurement and ERP setup of materials for testing.
• Schedule and execute manufacturing trials with Planning and Production.
• Lead and document raw material qualification trials.
• Coordinate internal and external testing programs and record results.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
• Stay current with industry trends and market developments.
• Identify opportunities to optimize the raw material portfolio.
• Maintain the Raw Material Technical Library with scientific rigor.
• Contribute to NPI to evaluate specs and manufacturing feasibility.

Skills

Thermoplastic resin processing

Polymers & materials science

Technical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Packaging, Materials, Mechanical, Chemical, or related)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Balcan Innovations is a leading North American manufacturer of technical films, flexible packaging, and reflective insulation with five brands at its core: Balcan Packaging, Plastixx FFS Technologies, NELMAR Security Packaging Systems, rFoil, and Reflectix.

Join Our Team

We are seeking a highly motivated Raw Materials & Product Development Specialist to join our Product Technology Group. Reporting to the Raw Material Technical Manager, this role plays a critical part in supporting raw material qualification, cost optimization initiatives, technical problem-solving, and new product development activities.

The successful candidate will collaborate across Operations, Manufacturing Technology, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure the successful introduction of new raw materials and products while driving innovation and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically minded professional who is passionate about polymers, materials science, manufacturing processes, and customer-focused product development.

What You'll Do

Raw Materials Management & Technical Support

• Support resin optionality and raw material cost optimization projects while meeting established timelines.
• Coordinate the procurement and ERP setup of raw materials required for testing and qualification activities.
• Work closely with Planning and Production teams to schedule and execute manufacturing trials.
• Lead and document raw material qualification trials in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology team.
• Coordinate internal and external testing programs and maintain accurate records of results and conclusions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, industry experts, and technical partners.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and market developments through supplier engagement and industry conferences.
• Identify opportunities to improve and optimize the raw material portfolio.
• Manage and maintain the Raw Material Technical Library using a structured, scientific approach.

Product Development & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives by evaluating product specifications, application requirements, formulations, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize new products.
• Visit customers to understand performance requirements, gather technical feedback, and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Provide technical support throughout product qualification, sampling, scale-up, and commercialization activities.
• Deliver ongoing technical assistance to key customers to ensure product performance and satisfaction.
• Participate in customer complaint investigations and resolution activities.
• Support Sales and Marketing teams during product launches and customer presentations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, operational performance, and customer experience.
• Perform duties in accordance with current procedures, quality management system requirements, food safety requirements, and good manufacturing practices in accordance with the site's current certification (ISO 9001, SQF, GMP/BPF) and actively contribute to continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Packaging, Materials, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of technical experience in thermoplastic resin processing.
• Strong understanding of resins, additives, color systems, and material performance.
• Experience in the flexible packaging industry.
• Fundamental knowledge of polymers, extrusion processes, plastic films, and converting operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Canada and the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree (MSc) or PhD in a related discipline is considered an asset.
• Experience working with product development, material qualification, and manufacturing process optimization projects.
• Exposure to customer-facing technical support or application development activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Exceptional documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering technical solutions.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and scientific rigor in testing and reporting activities.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative Product Technology team that directly influences product development and material strategy.
• Work on exciting projects involving new materials, sustainability initiatives, and manufacturing innovation.
• Collaborate with industry-leading suppliers, customers, and technical experts.
• Gain exposure to both technical development and commercial product launch activities.
• Opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic and growing manufacturing organization.
• Make a meaningful impact on product performance, operational efficiency, and customer success.
• Comprehensive benefits and on-site parking
• Eligibility for a bonus program