Senior Materials Scientist, Sustainable Packaging & PCR

Amcor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Discretionary annual bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Amcor is seeking a senior materials science leader to drive development of next‑generation resins/barriers and increase PCR usage in recyclable packaging. You will partner with internal and external teams to steer programs from concept through qualification, aligning with sustainability goals, safety standards, and business objectives.

The role requires a strong background in materials science, program management, and plastics processing, including extrusion, injection and blow molding.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD in materials related discipline preferred.
• 8-10+ years of relevant experience plus a degree in material science, engineering, or equivalent.
• Experienced program leader relative to material science in a corporate setting able to define, implement, & maintain effective program management practices.
• Proficient in material science and relevant impact on injection and blow molding processes.
• Proficient knowledge of PET, PP, HDPE and basic knowledge of alternative materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in plastics conversion technologies is desired (extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, ISBM etc.)
• Travel 10%

Responsibilities

• Use material science knowledge to lead research & decision making relative to new resin solutions and alternatives.
• Drives ongoing innovation and technology scouting activities in sustainability, particularly materials arena.
• Internal expert regarding PCR usage and approaches/methods for increasing amount of PCR in RPSNAB products.
• Maintain timelines and budgets as it relates to material development programs aligned with overall business objectives.
• Collaborative work style exhibiting willingness to learn as well as teach/coach others.
• Strong program management skills and experience with ability to lead high priority, cross-functional development program including indirect leadership of cross-functional project teams.
• Prescribe the use of appropriate project management & engineering tools for development & implementation of resin/barrier solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering, manufacturing and other internal/external customers as required.
• Supports BU’s to create business case for resin/barrier solutions including targeted performance specifications, costing, & overall value proposition.
• Establish inspection protocol and validate new product & materials specifications.
• Combines lateral/creative thinking with scientific knowledge to achieve results.
• Knows the business well enough to understand overall market needs and to predict future needs.
• Ability to work autonomously and adds value in all phases of a project and applies analytical skills.
• Will seek feedback and correct own performance.
• Oversees resin trials and/or participate in material selection activities.
• Specifies & approves lab work requests including sign-off on resin/process configurations and oversight of the qualification of new resins/materials where applicable.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Requires tact and effectiveness in dealing with a wide variety of stakeholders in everyday working relationships & executive reporting/communication.
• Holds self and others to appropriate policies and procedures.
• Maintain and enforce all company safety, environmental, and department of health requirements.

Skills

Material science

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Injection molding

PCR resin

Education

Master's or PhD in materials science/related

8-10+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Amcor is seeking a senior materials science leader to drive development of next‑generation resins/barriers and increase PCR usage in recyclable packaging. You will partner with internal and external teams to steer programs from concept through qualification, aligning with sustainability goals, safety standards, and business objectives.

The role requires a strong background in materials science, program management, and plastics processing, including extrusion, injection and blow molding.