Product Development Intern

Company Philosophy: The company has built its reputation in the marketplace by demanding high standards for all of its employees. The company’s success is measured by its integrity, honesty, quality products at a fair price with exemplary service to its customers. This position requires an individual that excels in leadership and is a team player with a superb skill set. Beyond the technical qualifications of the position, it is important that the individual demonstrates a character with strong family values and a willingness to build a solid working relationship with hands-on ownership. Purpose and role of job: Under the direction of a Product Development Scientist or Manager, create, develop, test, and implement new and proprietary designs of Adult Incontinence and/or Feminine Hygiene products based upon business, customer, and consumer needs. Provide support for the needs of present product systems to assure competitive performance and value. Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities: Contribute to FQ as a member of the Product Development team by executing projects in timely, diligent, safe, and professional manner. Work with cross functional teams across the business to support the design new products and product improvements to meet business and consumer needs. Support the development of new and improved materials and technologies with suppliers, and ensure all new raw materials obtain proper safety testing and clearance. Maintain the existing business product cost improvements through product redesigns and improvements. Assist in corporate proprietary technology by documenting novel ideas. Complete product testing of internal and benchmark products to understand and compare product performance. Develop new test methods to better predict and understand product performance in use. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. Education and experience requirements: Technical Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Engineering, Chemistry, Biology) or equivalent – completed or in process. Zero to two years in Research and Design supporting, developing and implementing new products. Knowledge of retail absorbent products preferred. Experience with the scientific method of testing hypotheses, resulting in specific conclusions and recommendations. Able to speak, read and write the English language and have strong oral and written communication skills. Good analytical skills, with attention to detail and working knowledge of basic statistics Good computer skills with Microsoft Office programs Good time management skills with desire to learn and take initiative Able to travel occasionally to US and International manufacturing plants for product and process trials. Work Environment: Office, lab, and manufacturing work environments. Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been described to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents. Other duties and responsibilities not specifically described may be assigned from time to time, consistent with knowledge, skills and abilities of the incumbent. First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data. First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status. Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions. Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better®.