What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Engineer position at Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC)?
Job description:
Position Description:
The Product Development Engineer is a key team member of the Natur-Tec Global Technical team reporting to Director, R&D and is responsible for supporting the development and commercialization of innovative biobased/biodegradable products. The successful candidate will provide engineering support to the team in the way of research, development and testing.
Role and Duties:
· Use DOE to plan trials and process new resin formulations/products of bio-based and biodegradable polymers.
· Apply rheology fundamentals to biopolymer processing for assisting with R&D to commercial scale-up.
- Support and coordinate successful engineering trials, and production scale-up at global sub-contract manufacturing partners and other Natur-Tec manufacturing locations.
- Take the lead in running lab equipment, including the twin-screw compounding extruder and blown film extruder.
· Support development of new specifications and datasheets for new Natur-Tec products.
· Support continuous improvement efforts in manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives.
· Some domestic and international travel is expected, with mainly travel to contract manufacturing locations and customer locations worldwide, for technical support and resolving any QC issues related to production processes.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Engineering/Plastics Program is required.
- Experience with plastics processing such as film extrusion, compounding or coating preferred
- Knowledgeable in analytical equipment and polymer characterization techniques
- Have the ability to work in a global team set-up
- Effective communication skills
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Possess effective oral & written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Problem solving skills
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:
Tasks require standing and walking, or frequent light lifting up to 10 pounds; occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds; or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or testing stations and extrusion machinery. Exposure and involvement working with various chemicals and testing stations/equipment will require mobility.
ISO
Every employee is expected to support the NTIC Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with our Quality System Manual and Quality Control Procedures. This position is responsible to follow and maintain the QMS and related Quality Control Procedures.