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Huhtamaki is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste.

We are committed to protecting food, people and the planet and are on the lookout for passionate and consummate professionals to join our growing team to help us deliver on our ambitious 2030 Strategy. We look for colleagues who Care, Dare and Deliver.

Conducts complex development activities to improve current or generate new, products, components, equipment, and processes. Documents, communicates and implements research / development findings. Collaborates with internal and external networks and find new and better alternatives. May lead a team.

Job Summary

The Thermoforming Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing new processes, new products, and new business opportunities that complement Huhtamaki’s manufacturing capabilities and strategic plans related to rigid plastic Extrusion and Thermoforming.

Essential Functions

Development and Implementation

Conduct approved development efforts on time and within budget based on agreements with Product Management, customers, or internal Plastic Innovation approvals.
Establish the definition of all process parameters for new processes and products developed with effective transfer to the production technical services support personnel as well as any required training.
Direct control or operation of development trials that are part of assigned projects.
Create and/or develop new products/processes that create barriers to competitors gaining our market share and barriers to our customers exiting Huhtamaki.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Champion continuous improvement (WCO) activities that improve key metrics.
Assist with defining the specifications and justifications of new equipment/tooling purchases particularly as they relate to new or improved processes and products.

Collaboration and Communication

Maintain regular direct customer contact to define product requirements, explain proposed technical approaches working in conjunction with the Product Management where technical assistance is necessary.
Interface with other various departments of the organization in a teamwork environment. Departments include but are not limited to Product Management, Tech. Services Engineering, Purchasing, Operations Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, Facilities, and External Suppliers.
Establish/maintain contacts with suppliers of resin/materials and equipment/tooling to facilitate accomplishment of objectives.
Operate on a peer basis with personnel in Product Management for consultation on estimated costing of new and improved products on an informal basis, but the definition/assignment of work is controlled by the Plastic’s Innovation Manager.

Technical Support and Leadership

Support manufacturing when technical consultation is required to solve more complex technical issues that arise.
Provide strong, positive leadership and supervision to ensure good morale and high productivity with reporting groups.
Undertake additional projects as assigned by the Plastic Innovation Manager.

Job Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Polymer Engineering or a related field of study required.
Strong technical skills with the ability to communicate effectively and accurately. Must be tenacious and creative in the utilization of product/process invention.
5 or more years of experience in manufacturing or development with specific knowledge of the Injection Molding, Extrusion, & Thermoforming processes.
Ability to lead several projects at one time with direction to Process Technicians, material/equipment suppliers, and customers. This requires excellent process engineering skills and the ability to relate to the tooling and equipment used in the manufacturing process.
Broad understanding of polymers and manufacturing materials and both their properties and processing requirements. Must be able to work with new materials and develop products from them.
Creativity and stamina to push new products/processes to successful completion.
Ability to diagnose the root cause of processing problems and variations, and then implement steps toward alleviating those problems or variations.
Strong communication skills both writing and verbal, to convey ideas and concepts to upper management and production employees.
Computer literate with a working knowledge of CAD and Excel or other spreadsheet software.
Ability to organize and interpret large amounts of data (i.e., statistical quality data, process information).
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
Proficient user of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint & Outlook.

Environment

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a can-do attitude.
Travel Requirement: Travel as required to visit technology centers, customers, vendors, suppliers, and attend technical conferences. Domestic and international travel required up to 50%.

Join us to shape the future together!