Product Development Engineer

Product Development EngineerThe Product Development Engineer leads complex product and process development initiatives from concept through commercialization. Operating with a high degree of technical independence, the position applies advanced knowledge of polymer materials, product design, and manufacturing methods to deliver innovative, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions that meet customer and business objectives. The role manages and provides technical direction to project teams and supporting engineers for all stages of product development projects (design, prototyping, validation testing, and production launch). The Product Development Engineer collaborates across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to ensure new products meet performance and regulatory requirements while manufacturing capability. This position requires strong project leadership, technical problem-solving, and the ability to balance innovation with cost, quality and manufacturability. This position requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality—reflecting Plaskolite's core values of Integrity and Improvement.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Lead and execute new product development projects from concept, design, validation and production launch with minimal supervision.Develops product specifications, technical datasheets, and technical reports to support product commercialization and customer communications.Prepares and presents NPD Stage – Gate documentation.Utilizes polymer chemistry and processing expertise to evaluate raw materials, new technologies, and alternative polymers to improve product performance.Leads production trial planning, execution and testing.Interprets and documents product development results; plans and executes next steps based on results.Collaborates with Sales and Marketing to understand customer requirements, market trends, and application needs to propose new product opportunities.Leads interactions with Manufacturing, Engineering and Processing teams to ensure new products can be produced efficiently, reliably, and within quality standards.Support scale-up of new materials and products from pilot to full-scale production, including process troubleshooting and optimization.Provides technical support to customers and commercial teams for products across the business unit.Leads technical discussions with customers and suppliers relating to new products and current product performance.Ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards related to polymer materials and product manufacturing.Performs other engineering and technical duties as assigned by leadership.Qualifications:Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 5 years industry experience Or 10 years related industry experienceSkills and Competencies: Shares advanced engineering and polymer science expertise across Plaskolite. Demonstrates strong problem-solving ability, effectively leading product development and cost-saving initiatives to successful completion. Leads collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and other groups to support development work and resolve complex issues. Makes sound, timely decisions based on data, technical judgment, and business considerations. Engages directly with customers to troubleshoot issues, gather insights, and identify unmet technical or performance needs. Proactively identifies opportunities for innovation, improvement, or new product development and initiates proposals for new projects. Communicates complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences within and outside of Plaskolite.Available Benefits:Sign-On BonusHealth Insurance401(k) and Employer ContributionPaid Time OffPaid HolidaysDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceEmployee Discount ProgramTuition ReimbursementVoluntary Life InsuranceAbout PLASKOLITE:PLASKOLITE is a global leader in manufacturing of engineering thermoplastics, including Acrylic, Polycarbonate, ABS, Olefin and PETG Sheet, Extruded Profiles and PMMA Polymers. Founded in 1950, by Donald Dunn and family, PLASKOLITE has a reputation for providing the highest quality products in the industry. Our innovative thermoplastic solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including glazing, safety shields, lighting, signs and point-of-purchase displays. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities throughout North America and Europe, Plaskolite delivers superior thermoplastic sheet, profiles, and polymers to the world through long-lasting customer relationships and hands-on customer service. PLASKOLITE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. If requested, the Company will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals where appropriate to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, so long as doing so does not create an undue hardship on the business.