Sustainable Coated Paper Product Development Lead

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

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.