Sr. Product Development Engineer

Brava is seeking an experienced Sr. Product Development Engineer with strong expertise in polymer materials, plastics processing, and manufacturing to lead the development and commercialization of innovative products for the building and construction materials industry.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical knowledge of polymers and manufacturing processes with strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills. This individual will take products from concept and material selection through design, prototyping, testing, process development, scale-up, and commercialization.

Experience with injection molding, vacuum forming, and compression molding is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of polymer performance, additives, durability, and outdoor/environmental exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from initial concept through commercialization.
• Develop and optimize polymer-based products and components for building and construction applications.
• Select and evaluate polymer materials, compounds, additives, fillers, reinforcements, and other raw materials based on product performance requirements.
• Apply knowledge of injection molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, and other plastics processing technologies to product and process development.
• Work closely with manufacturing partners and internal operations teams to develop robust, cost-effective production processes.
• Develop prototypes and coordinate fabrication, tooling, molds, and production trials.
• Establish product specifications, performance requirements, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria.
• Plan and manage laboratory, accelerated weathering, physical property, durability, and application testing.
• Analyze test data and translate results into product and design improvements.
• Identify and resolve material, processing, design, and manufacturing issues through root-cause analysis and structured problem solving.
• Lead design-for-manufacturing and design-for-cost initiatives.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, including project schedules, milestones, budgets, risks, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities involving R&D, engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales/marketing, suppliers, and customers.
• Manage external suppliers, compounders, molders, testing laboratories, and other development partners.
• Prepare technical reports, product specifications, development plans, test reports, and project updates.
• Support intellectual property, regulatory, quality, and product documentation activities as required.
• Provide technical support during product launch and help resolve field or manufacturing issues.
• Stay current with developments in polymer technology, plastics processing, construction materials, sustainability, and applicable industry standards.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 5 years of product development or R&D engineering experience, preferably with polymer-based products.
• Strong practical understanding of polymer materials, including thermoplastics, polymer blends, compounds, additives, fillers, and stabilizers.
• Hands-on experience with: Injection molding, Vacuum forming / thermoforming, Compression molding
• Understanding of polymer processing parameters and their impact on product performance, appearance, dimensional stability, and manufacturability.
• Experience with material characterization and physical/mechanical property testing.
• Knowledge of polymer durability, UV/weathering, thermal performance, moisture resistance, and environmental exposure is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of building and construction materials and applications.
• Experience developing products for demanding outdoor or construction environments is preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, test data, and material datasheets.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.

Project Management & Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Strong project planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience developing project schedules, milestones, budgets, risk assessments, and commercialization plans.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, manufacturers, testing laboratories, and internal stakeholders.