Product Development Engineer

Job Details

Position Job Title: Product Development Engineer

BG and BU: Amcor Flexible Europe, Middle East and Africa (AFEMEA)

Function: Research and Development

Location: Zele/Belgium (site-based)

Line Manager’s Job Title: Product Development Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Purpose

The activities of the Amcor Zele site focus on the extrusion of stretch films for the agricultural and industrial sector and on the printing of films mainly for the frozen food market.

As part of the Global R&D organization, the searched Product Development Engineer will be mainly responsible for the polymer formulations and internal R&D related projects on the agricultural baler- and balewrap films and on the industrial stretch wrap films. The role requires close links with internal and external stakeholders in order to generate and deliver profitable growth through product optimizations and new product implementation, created by the selected R&D projects and in line with the defined strategy. It requires occasional travelling, primarily within Europe. This position will report to the Product Development Manager.

Principal Accountabilities

• Responsible for project management of appointed development programs in R&D


• Define correct polymer formulations and relevant extrusion lines for industrialization of the products based on specification and business needs.


• Keep system up to date and correct for proper product specification-management


• Looking for, testing and coordinating alternative raw materials, masterbatches and additives by close cooperation with procurement and suppliers.


• Advisor in raw material switches on request of procurement and planning.


• Implementing, coordinating and reporting internal trials.


• Provide guidance in case of operational issues when linked to R&D related projects.


• Involved in claim handling and troubleshooting in case of possible R&D concept failure.


• Optimizing R&D efficiency in data management, know-how transfer and processes.


• Contributing to company vision and goals, with focus on safety


• Communicate cross-functionally with wider teams and external parties

Major Challenges & Complexities

• Coordination and effective communication with several functions and levels in the organization.


• Innovative thinking to find new and more effective solutions to drive for results.


• High responsiveness, flexibility and availability.


• Capable to work in autonomy and in teams.

Internal Relationships:
R&D engineers (primarily at Amcor Zele/Belgium and Leominster/UK)

Site Operations team

Purchase Officers and Planner
Product Management and Sales
Global R&D

External Relationships:

Raw material Suppliers

Customers

Universities

Qualifications/Requirements

Formal Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in (Applied) Sciences (Chemistry, Polymers, Material Sciences) or equivalent by experience


• A broad chemical background.


• Specific expertise in polymers is an asset


• Project management experience is an asset


• Fluency in Dutch and English

Specific Skills and Abilities

• Proactive and able to communicate across organization


• Good problem solving and prioritization skills


• Structured and self-disciplined


• Resilient and assertive

• A strong team player