Technical Specialist

Summary/Objective: As a Technical Specialist for aPT_Tube, you will play a core role in the launch and growth of the aPT_Tube business. This position is primarily responsible for technical development of films and inks, as well as supporting production start-up, stabilization, and continuous improvement at the manufacturing site. Beyond development activities, this role is expected to actively engage with the production floor to gain hands-on manufacturing knowledge, participate in customer-facing activities, and reflect real customer feedback into technical development, production, and quality management. You will be involved across the entire business lifecycle—from development and production to quality and customer support—with a strong focus on recyclable tube design and APR certification.

Specific Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Tube Business Launch & Technical Development

• Support the launch of the tube business through technical development and engineering activities
• Develop and optimize film structures and ink systems for tube applications
• Lead and support development projects related to recyclable tube design, including APR certification requirements
• Evaluate materials, processes, and specifications to meet performance, sustainability, and quality targets

Production Start-up & Manufacturing Support

• Support production line start-up, ramp-up, and stabilization at the Hickory plant
• Work closely with production teams to identify, analyze, and resolve technical and process issues
• Gain hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes by actively engaging with the production floor
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, productivity, and cost

Customer Interaction & Technical Sales Support

• Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions, including joint visits with sales
• Collect direct customer feedback and translate customer needs into technical development and production improvements
• Support technical explanations, sample evaluations, and trial coordination with customers

Quality & Certification Support

• Support quality control activities related to materials, printing, and finished tube products
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues
• Support documentation, testing, and submissions related to APR certification and other relevant standards

Cross-functional Collaboration & Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D, production, quality, and sales teams to support overall tube business objectives
• Participate in internal projects, trials, and improvement

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, shifting priorities, and evolving business and customer needs. Anticipates challenges and adjusts strategies to deliver timely, informed, and solution-oriented responses. Confronts obstacles with courage and resilience, learns from setbacks, and remains forward-focused in dynamic environments, aligning decisions with organizational values and expectations.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams, departments, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and deliver value to internal and external customers. Builds respectful, professional relationships grounded in trust. Integrates diverse perspectives, addresses conflict constructively, and fosters an inclusive team environment. Shares knowledge, supports others' development, and contributes to sustained organizational growth.
• Engagement: Connects daily work to the company's broader vision and long-term success. Maintains a customer-first mindset, anticipating and addressing internal and external customer needs with professionalism and care. Contributes innovative ideas, embraces feedback, and seeks opportunities for continuous improvement. Approaches responsibilities with energy, purpose, and a commitment to sustainable value creation.
• Integrity: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and transparently in both verbal and written interactions. Actively listens, asks clarifying questions, and engages in constructive dialogue – even in difficult conversations – to build trust. Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and cultures. Upholds company policies and ethical standards, and maintains a strong safety-first mindset, leading by example to ensure a compliant and secure work environment.
• Ownership: Demonstrates independent judgment and personal accountability in delivering high-quality results. Takes ownership of decisions, deadlines, and outcomes with minimal oversight. Prioritizes effectively, manages time and resources responsibly, and ensures work is accurate, thorough, and aligned with company standards. Proactively communicates progress, challenges, and availability. Maintains reliable attendance and fulfills responsibilities consistently and professionally, with a commitment to excellence.

Education and Experience:

Required Experience & Skills:

• Technical background in packaging, materials, chemical engineering, manufacturing, or a related field
• Fundamental knowledge of films, inks, printing, or packaging materials
• Strong curiosity and willingness to learn across both development and manufacturing environments
• Hands-on, proactive, and flexible approach when working in production settings
• Strong interest in hands-on manufacturing and learning production processes
• Ability to communicate effectively with production teams, engineers, and customers, including incorporating customer feedback into technical solutions
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent hands- on manufacturing experience
• Exposure to sustainable packaging or recyclable design
• Familiarity with production environments, trials, or plant-based engineering work
• Experience with customer-facing technical support or cross-functional projects
• Demonstrated curiosity, collaborative mindset, and motivation to contribute broadly in a growing or evolving business

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work on the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform tasks required for manufacturing support and trials

Travel Required:

• Expected several times per month (customer visits, trials, and related activities)

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.