Sr. R&D Engineer

ThreePDS Inc. Recruiting, Staffing, and Consulting

Franklin Park, IL, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Engineering

Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. R&D Engineer
Location: Franklin Park, IL (100% Onsite)
Travel: Up to 40% (primarily domestic)
Reports To: Director, R&D – Thermoformed Packaging Division

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. R&D Engineer to join our Thermoformed Packaging division. This role will focus on developing, designing, and qualifying new thermoplastic materials and processes, with a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in plastics extrusion, thermoforming, and material processing, combined with the ability to lead projects from concept through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert in plastics processing, including extrusion, thermoforming, and tooling, to support consumer packaging innovation.
Identify and implement sustainable packaging solutions by applying advanced polymer technologies.
Provide recommendations for manufacturing equipment to support current operations and enable future growth.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to integrate technical solutions and solve complex challenges.
Drive innovation through new ideas that align with R&D strategy, product performance goals, and business growth objectives.
Lead capital and technical projects in manufacturing environments, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution.
Foster a collaborative, safe, and engaging workplace culture through effective communication and teamwork.
Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures across projects and operations.

Qualifications

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science.
Minimum 7+ years of related experience in plastics manufacturing and processing (extrusion, thermoforming, and tooling).
Strong knowledge of PET, PP, HIPS, and PE resins, with experience applying coatings and lamination to rigid sheet preferred.
Background in consumer food packaging or related industries strongly preferred.
Proven success leading projects in a manufacturing environment, including collaboration with OEMs and suppliers.
Strong technical problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Effective communicator with strong organizational and project management skills.
Demonstrated initiative, ownership mindset, and ability to work independently.
Curiosity and passion for exploring new technologies inside and outside the industry.

What We're Looking For

This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of innovation and manufacturing execution, with the ability to transform new ideas into market-ready packaging solutions. A hands-on, results-driven leader with a passion for sustainable materials and technology advancement will succeed in this role.

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