Technical Engineer

Our client, a manufacturing company, is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Technical Engineer to join their growing manufacturing team. This role is ideal for an engineer with a background in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field who is passionate about solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement.

The Technical Engineer will play a key role in optimizing production processes, improving material performance, supporting new product development, and implementing engineering solutions that enhance quality, efficiency, and profitability. Working closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Commercial teams, this individual will take ownership of projects from concept through execution while contributing directly to the development of innovative and compliant packaging solutions.

This position is designed for a proactive engineer who thrives in a manufacturing environment, enjoys working on the production floor, and is eager to grow into a technical leadership role within the organization.

Responsibilities:
Process & Manufacturing Engineering:

Lead process development, optimization, and troubleshooting efforts for flexible plastic film manufacturing operations.
Support and improve extrusion (blown and cast film), coating, lamination, printing, sealing, and converting processes.
Analyze manufacturing variables such as temperature, pressure, line speed, and dwell time to improve product performance and process consistency.
Execute equipment trials, process validations, scale-up activities, and commissioning of new equipment.
Apply root cause analysis methodologies to identify production issues and implement effective corrective actions.
Drive initiatives focused on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing overall equipment performance.
Materials Engineering & Product Development

Evaluate and improve material performance characteristics, including tensile strength, seal strength, puncture resistance, and tear resistance.
Assess and optimize barrier properties such as Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR).
Conduct and interpret ASTM-based testing and material characterization studies.
Develop, validate, and implement new materials, layer structures, adhesives, and packaging technologies.
Support development of innovative, sustainable, and recyclable packaging solutions.
Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Support

Ensure packaging materials and processes comply with FDA food-contact regulations and applicable industry standards.
Support quality initiatives through statistical process control (SPC), capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and corrective action programs.
Assist with audits, technical documentation, validation reports, and compliance records.
Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration

Partner with Production, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Commercial teams to solve operational and product performance challenges.
Provide technical expertise during customer issues, product investigations, and new product launches.
Monitor production trials and engineering projects on the manufacturing floor.
Present recommendations and technical findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
Support strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence, innovation, and business growth.
Requirements
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Strong understanding of polymers, materials science, manufacturing processes, and engineering principles.
Ability to analyze technical data and translate findings into practical manufacturing solutions.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
Strong communication and project management abilities.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and spending time on the production floor.
Willingness to travel to company facilities and customer locations as needed.
Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
0-5 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, materials engineering, or technical engineering roles.
Experience within the flexible packaging, plastics, film, or converting industry.
Knowledge of extrusion, lamination, printing, sealing, coating, or converting technologies.
Experience with polymer processing, material characterization, and mechanical testing.
Familiarity with ASTM testing methods and material performance evaluation.
Understanding of FDA food-contact regulations and packaging compliance requirements.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, SPC, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma principles.
Key Competencies

Critical thinker with the ability to challenge assumptions and identify practical solutions.
Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Hands-on approach to engineering and problem-solving.
Strong technical judgment and decision-making skills.
Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and execution.
Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
Desire to grow into a technical leadership role.