From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for developing innovative packaging solutions and qualifying advanced raw materials for Sonoco’s Rigid Plastics businesses. This individual will lead the assigned projects while collaborating cross-functionally to drive the projects from concept to manufacturing launch. This position requires a strong background in thermoplastics polymers, an understanding of material structure-property relationships, a solid knowledge of experimental design methodology, and a thorough project management ability. The individual is expected to be a self-starter, extracting industry related information to conduct material and product development using forming technologies suitable for sustainable packaging applications. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Implement the R&D product innovation and technology strategy and methodology. Manage the technical integration of projects through collaboration with suppliers, internal cross-functional teams, and customers to assure performance criteria are met. Responsible for planning projects and meeting work objectives, time, and budget constraints on assigned projects. Work with the Product Development Manager to prioritize and execute all new development initiatives. Work closely with Sales to provide technical support as well as develop a good working relationship with the customer to establish and maintain customer satisfaction. Develop comprehensive project charters, including scope, plans, timing, resources, and budgets. Execute to plan, formalizing scope changes when appropriate. Analyze and interpret data and test results. Provide summary reports with conclusions and recommendations. Maintain complete and accurate records of all assigned projects. Manage project spending and maintain budget compliance. In partnership with the business unit, provide input on product development opportunities to ensure those with the highest strategic and commercial potential are prioritized, justified for support or abandonment. Participate in regular portfolio review meetings to ensure proper balance in portfolio along with consensus on priorities. Perform regular After-Action Reviews evaluations to ensure constant improvement and refinement of the project management process, resources, and deliverables. Originate ideas, conduct independent research and development, and stimulate colleagues or project team members to contribute ideas. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: Understanding of plastic materials, preferably those used in food and beverage packaging, with demonstrated knowledge of Solidworks being a plus. Knowledge of forming processes for packaging and industrial applications, such as rigid sheet thermoforming, injection molding and extrusion. Understanding of common analytical test methods such as IV, DSC, Microscopy, SEM, FTIR, Stress-Strain etc, and ability to interpret and analyze data. Ability to lead R&D programs from concept to commercialization Proficiency in project management, development of timelines, and identifying critical milestones Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic channels Ability to consistently earn and maintain the trust of teammates and external customers Ability to work very effectively with limited direction on multiple high priority programs Ability to learn and share new applications, methods/techniques and discoveries. Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Polymer, or Plastics). A Master of Science degree would be a plus Demonstrated experience in planning research projects, developing experimental designs, leading the execution of experiments and analyzing test results. Two to five years of full-time industrial experience in research & development with focus on polymers will be a plus. #LI-MR1 At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits: Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options 401(k) retirement plan with company match Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance Tuition reimbursement We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic. Sonoco Metal Packaging We are currently integrating systems with our latest acquisition, Sonoco Metal Packaging. Please visit our Metal Packaging Career Site for jobs in this division across the United States. Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE:SON) is a global provider of consumer, industrial, healthcare and protective packaging. With annualized net sales of approximately $5.2 billion, the Company has 20,000 employees working in more than 300 operations in 34 countries serving some of the world’s best-known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, services and programs for our customers, employees and communities that support our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life. The Company was listed as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2021 as well as being included in Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the third year in a row.