Product & Process Development Engineer

About Tanbark

Established in 2021, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products is dedicated to delivering sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. We specialize in producing Type 3 Molded Fiber, an environmentally friendly replacement for rigid single-use plastic products. Our mission is to provide access to planet-friendly, purpose-driven products by pushing the limits of molded fiber design.

At Tanbark, we don’t just create sustainable products—we create a culture of innovation and responsibility. Our Core Values guide us in everything we do:

• Adaptable & Accountable – We anticipate challenges, embrace new ideas, and take ownership of our work.
• Curious & Collaborative – We thrive on learning, problem-solving, and working together to achieve shared success.
• Trust & Transparency – We communicate openly, assume good intentions, and build strong relationships.
• Safe & Sustainable – We prioritize well-being, ethical conduct, and environmental responsibility.

If you’re seeking a collaborative and supportive environment and are excited to join a dynamic startup poised for growth, this opportunity is perfect for you.

About the Opportunity

Tanbark is seeking a Product & Process Development Engineer with experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, materials engineering, and product commercialization to help advance our innovative molded fiber technology.

This hands-on engineering role will develop new products, optimize manufacturing processes, improve product performance, and solve complex production challenges. The ideal candidate enjoys working with materials, designing experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting processes, and collaborating directly with production teams to turn ideas into reliable manufacturing solutions.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in scaling an innovative sustainable manufacturing technology from product development through commercial production.

Why This Role Is Different

At Tanbark, this is not a role focused only on maintaining existing processes. You will have the opportunity to influence how products are designed, how materials perform, and how manufacturing processes evolve as the company grows.

Your work will directly impact:

• Development of sustainable alternatives to plastic products.
• Improvement of manufacturing capability and process reliability.
• Successful commercialization of new products.
• Building the engineering foundation needed to support future growth.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and commercialize innovative molded fiber products from concept through full-scale production.
• Design and execute laboratory and manufacturing trials to evaluate new fiber blends, additives, formulations, tooling, materials, and process improvements.
• Analyze product performance data and recommend improvements to materials, designs, and manufacturing processes.
• Optimize and standardize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, consistency, throughput, and scalability.
• Develop and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and process specifications to support repeatable production.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and product performance issues using engineering principles, data analysis, and root cause investigation.
• Apply quality engineering tools including Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis (Cpk), Measurement System Analysis (MSA/Gage R&R), and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to improve product and process performance.
• Evaluate raw materials, fiber blends, additives, and process variables to understand their impact on product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, production teams, and internal stakeholders to develop products and implement process improvements.
• Manage engineering projects, document trials and improvements, and communicate technical recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Stay informed on emerging materials, equipment, and manufacturing technologies that support Tanbark’s growth.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related technical field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in product development, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory and manufacturing trials.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with molded fiber, pulp and paper, cellulosic materials, packaging, or similar manufacturing processes.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis (Cpk), Measurement System Analysis (MSA/Gage R&R), root cause analysis, CAPA, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), process validation, or new product introduction (NPI).
• Familiarity with materials characterization and product testing methods.
• Experience with CAD, statistical analysis software, or manufacturing software.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular collaboration with production teams.

The employee must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The position may require working in areas with moderate to high noise levels and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with all applicable ADA regulations.

***Attn. Recruiters: Please DO NOT contact our team about this opportunity.***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000