Materials Engineer II

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!

POSITION PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to lead business critical activities relating to the development and commercialization of textile materials. Materials Engineer II is a high visibility position supporting product development project teams and is the primary technical contact for our suppliers and internal manufacturing sites for the optimization, development, and commercialization of nonwoven wet wipes and Swabstick applicators. Materials Engineer II will work with a broad range of manufacturing and technical resources at our suppliers and internal manufacturing sites to support achieving our objectives.

Material Engineer II will lead day-to-day technical communication with our suppliers and work closely with the product development project teams to identify, develop, and commercialize new products. In addition, the Materials Engineer II will lead day-to-day testing to determine the performance of nonwoven and finished products and will coordinate the testing of the suppliers and internal lab support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Analyze data and provide insights and recommendations based on the data
• Support material or process projects from conception through commercialization.
• Plan and carry out projects with direction from management.
• Communicate and document project plans and results to key customers and suppliers.
• Deliver on project objectives in the initiation, design, development, and optimization of textile products, specifically Nonwovens/Fibers/Laminates, after receiving functional guidance.
• Support the protection of technologies, processes, materials, and products through appropriate use of patents and trade secrets.
• Seek, recognize, define, and solve problems to achieve unit objectives. Identify complex technical issues to determine root cause, develop and recommend solutions.
• Develops and tests new wet wipe prototypes to support the growth objectives of the business
• Tests products and prototypes, comparing to benchmarks or competitor products for marketing presentations, laboratory evaluation, consumer and clinical testing
• Leads product scale-up and line trials and writes trial reports
• Develops and validates test methods to evaluate the performance of products and prototypes
• Writes SOPs and specifications
• Analyses competitor products and evaluates raw materials used
• Identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for prototype development
• Writes meeting minutes and meeting summaries

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Meet key project targets & milestones for product development project teams and portfolio.
• Delivery on commercialization and optimization of textile materials and finished products
• Delivery of reports and analysis in a timely manner
• Creates accurate reports with reliable data
• Demonstrates core behaviors

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• A minimum of a Bachelor's or advanced degree in a scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited college or university

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Strong scientific principles (statistical analysis, Design of Experiments, Problem solving, root cause analysis)
• Understanding of textile materials and fibers, and technical knowledge of textile products working with natural and synthetic fibers, nonwovens, nonwovens manufacturing processes, and the nonwovens supply chain

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 2+ years of experience in a nonwoven technical function or related technical function (technical textiles, textile materials, fibers, etc.) with an understanding of the materials and processes within the nonwoven and wipes supply chain
• Previous experience working in R&D
• Experience with wipes, NW, packaging, or formulation is required or advantageous.
• Proven track record of developing and launching new products

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Statistical analysis skills

• Demonstrated success in delivering against business-critical objectives
• Demonstrated success in working as a team player with both internal and external colleagues
• Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete projects within required timeframes

• Computer literate (MS Office / Outlook / Word / Excel)
• Strong communication skills (verbal / written)
• Adaptable learner
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with varied work

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mostly lab work, with some manufacturing at internal and supplier locations. Requires domestic and international travel.

SALARY RANGE

• $85,000 - $95,000 annually

BENEFITS

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.