Fiber Scientist

Novolex is a leader in packaging innovation, choice and sustainability. We manufacture products in paper, plastic and sustainable materials for the food, retail, health and industrial markets.

• $109,300- $182,100 base salary * plus annual bonus
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  Medical, dental and vision options

  
  
• Wellness rewards to fund your HRA or HSA
• Paid holidays, time off, parental and other leaves
• Financial protection benefits such as life, AD&D and disability insurance, and 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions
• Education Support (for example, tuition reimbursement, Chairman's Scholarship, 529 College Savings Plan)
• Broad Based Employee Award Program-value sharing plan for all employees with one year of service
• Employee Assistance Program and much more!

*The range provided is based on cost of living/geography and what we believe is reasonable in the market at the time of posting. This role may be eligible for annual bonus and annual merit increase, as well as long term compensation. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors.

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Molded Fiber/Paper Scientist to join our research and development team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the scientific understanding and technical execution related to fiber raw material qualification, the development of chemical formulations for the pulping process, and providing technical expertise for molded fiber forming and production troubleshooting. This role requires a strong background in fiber science, paper science, or a related engineering discipline, and a practical understanding of molded fiber manufacturing processes.

• Develop and implement standardized test methods for evaluating the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of incoming virgin and recycled fiber sources.
• Qualify new fiber suppliers and assess the suitability of various fiber types for use in molded fiber products based on performance requirements (strength, formability, surface finish, etc.).
• Establish specifications and quality control procedures for materials

• Develop and optimize chemical formulations for the pulping process to achieve desired fiber properties, pulp consistency, and processing efficiency.
• Investigate the use of different pulping chemistries and their effects on fiber characteristics and downstream molded fiber performance.
• Troubleshoot issues related to pulping and stock preparation.

• Provide scientific and technical support to manufacturing operations related to molded fiber forming processes.
• Identify root causes of production issues such as uneven formation, cracking, warping, poor dewatering, and surface defects, and develop corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize existing processes and support the scale-up of new products and processes.

• Stay current with advancements in fiber science, pulping technology, molded fiber manufacturing, and sustainable packaging materials.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Paper Science, Fiber Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, fiber processing, or molded fiber manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of fiber morphology, cellulose chemistry, and the principles of pulping and bleaching.
• Experience with developing and optimizing chemical formulations for fiber processing.
• Familiarity with common molded fiber forming techniques and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with laboratory and pilot-scale fiber processing and molded fiber equipment.
• Knowledge of standard testing methods for evaluating fiber and paper properties (e.g., TAPPI standards).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with recycled fiber processing.
• Knowledge of barrier coating technologies for molded fiber.
• Familiarity with food contact packaging regulations.

Benefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance (including Telehealth options) as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through Novolex University. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

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