R&D Engineer

Since 1984, Polyfil has specialized in developing and manufacturing performance-enhancing additive concentrates for polyolefin extrusion applications. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we operate from a modern manufacturing and laboratory facility in Rockaway, New Jersey. We are seeking a hands-on engineer to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of plastic compounds and functional additive concentrates focused on the flexible packaging market. This role will work across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to create formulations that enhance processability, film performance, and compliance while meeting customer and market requirements.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and optimize polymer compounds and additive packages for flexible packaging applications, including films, laminations, and converted structures.

· Evaluate and implement functional additives such as slip, antiblock, antistatic, processing aids, UV, antioxidants, and other performance-enhancing technologies.

· Support scale-up from lab trials to production, including compounding, extrusion, and film testing activities.

· Partner with sales to translate customer needs into practical material solutions.

· Analyze material performance data related to sealability, coefficient of friction, clarity, stiffness, toughness, barrier, and printability.

· Troubleshoot manufacturing and customer issues related to formulation, dispersion, process stability, and end-use performance.

· Work closely with quality and regulatory teams to ensure products meet applicable food-contact, sustainability, and industry requirements.

· Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on cost, efficiency, consistency, and innovation.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.

· Experience in plastic compounding, polymer formulation, extrusion, or flexible packaging materials.

· Strong knowledge of polyolefins, additive technology, and processing methods used in film and sheet applications.

· Understanding of flexible packaging performance requirements and converting considerations.

· Ability to interpret test data, solve technical problems, and drive projects from concept through commercialization.

· Strong communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience

· Experience with twin-screw compounding, blown film, cast film, or coextrusion processes.

· Knowledge of sustainability initiatives including downgauging, recyclability, PCR integration, or mono-material packaging structures.

· Familiarity with DOE, SPC, and root-cause problem-solving methods.

· Experience supporting customer trials, technical service, or product launches in packaging markets.

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in developing innovative material solutions for a growing flexible packaging market. You will have the chance to influence new product development, improve manufacturing performance, and work with customers to bring high-value functional additive technologies to market.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Rockaway, NJ 07866: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $100,000