Development Engineering Tech I

You are part of a global team of problem-solvers whose innovations in materials science can make life better. Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real-world challenges. You are part of a company whose work helps improve patient outcomes in healthcare and protects essential consumer goods that people around the world rely on every day.

Through our two divisions, TekniPlex Healthcare and TekniPlex Consumer Products, you’ll help shape industries that matter: healthcare, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, beauty, and personal care.

You will help protect the integrity of essential products, support patient safety and comfort, and contribute to innovations that make everyday life better, all while building a career that makes an impact.

Because at TekniPlex, you don’t just deliver products – you help shape what’s next.

TekniPlex is seeking a highly motivated Development Engineer I to join our Flexible Packaging Product Development team in Winston-Salem, NC. This entry-level engineering position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative flexible packaging solutions and support their commercialization from concept through full-scale production.

In this collaborative role you will be working closely with experienced Product Development Engineers, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Procurement, Operations, Regulatory, and customers, the successful candidate will participate in the design, development, testing, validation, scale‑up, and commercialization of flexible packaging structures – lidding substrates, pouching substrate, closure liner - for variety of applications consumer products, food & beverage, healthcare, and industrial application.

Product Development Lead the development of new flexible packaging structures from concept through commercialization.

Design materials configuration in order to develop flexible packaging structures to meet performance, manufacturing, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives.

generate technical recommendations based on laboratory, pilot, and production trial results.

Document trial results accurately and in a timely manner in Lotus Notes Trial Request Database.

Maintain contact with raw material suppliers and identify, evaluate, and recommend new materials for improved performance or reduced cost.

Use ERP system to create raw materials part code, finished goods recipes.

Conduct engineering cost calculations (costing) and provide to the pricing analyst.

Coordinate production trials and assist in scale‑up activities to commercial production.

Prepare technical reports summarizing development work, trial results, conclusions, and recommendations.

Work with Operations to optimize manufacturability and process capability.

As required, provide assistance in the field to customers and other company representatives in the successful conversion of customers to new products.

Laboratory Testing & Data Analysis Conduct laboratory testing of flexible packaging materials including Seal strength and peel force, Lamination bond strength, Coefficient of friction (COF), Mechanical properties such as Burst strength, Barrier properties, Microscopy, and Product compatibility testing

Analyze test data and communicate findings clearly.

Conduct statistical analysis using Excel. Maintain laboratory data files and technical documentation.

Converting Process Write and execute Trial and Test plan involving flexible packaging converting operations including Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion processes, and Paper, polymer film, and aluminum foil converting

Support investigations related to Material and substrate performance, Process capability, Product quality (Critical to Quality – CTQ), Manufacturing efficiency, and Customer technical issues

Product Development Team members, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Operations (logistics, supply chain, other operations functions), Equipment suppliers, Raw material suppliers, Customers

Up to 15% overnight may be required

Ability to effectively communicate in-person or virtual, oral and written

Bachelor’s Degree in: Chemical Engineering (preferred), Materials Science (preferred), Packaging Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Other Engineering or related scientific discipline

1–3 years of engineering or product development experience in flexible packaging, converting, packaging materials, or related industries. Internship, co‑op, undergraduate research, or industrial experience in flexible packaging is highly desirable.

Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Materials: Polymer films, Paper, Aluminum foil, Extrusion resins, Adhesives, Coatings, Sealant technologies, and Sustainable and recyclable packaging structures

Knowledge of and experience with Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Processes: Flexographic printing, Gravure printing, Adhesive lamination, Extrusion lamination, Extrusion coating, Slitting, Gravure coating, Wax bonding, Coextrusion, and Web handling and converting operations

Basic project management skills with the ability to navigate complex projects through a global organization, while managing risk, contingency plans, timeline, and results.

Capable of understanding and using analytical (infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, etc) and mechanical/physical test methods; experience with statistical analysis and experimental design and interpreting results and using that information to drive product development

Hands on experience performing routine physical tests (heat‑seal, tensile, COF, barrier, burst, peel.experience interpreting results and using that information to drive product development

Testing method development and test protocol (SOP) writing (if/as necessary)

Knowledge of product development Stage/Gate process, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma methodology, Statistical Analysis (e.g. Capable of communicating with customers and operations personnel under stressful or adverse conditions

Proficient computer literacy with established basic knowledge in general applications; The compensation package will pay up to $75k plus a target bonus incentive.