Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better®.
We are seeking an Associate Product Development Associate for our First Quality Products site located in McElhattan, PA.
This position is responsible for creating, developing, and implementing new and proprietary designs of absorbent-related product systems based upon business, customer, and consumer needs as well as provide support for the needs of present product systems to assure competitive performance and value.
Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:
- Participate as a member of the Product Development team; execute projects in timely, diligent, safe, and professional manner, and contribute to the growth of the team and department.
- Design new products and product improvements to meet business and consumer needs.
- Develop new and improved materials and technologies with suppliers, and ensure all new raw materials obtain proper safety testing and clearance.
- Use basic Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques to develop experimental plans.
- Support the existing business product cost improvements through product redesigns.
- Provide technical support to reduce consumer complaints.
- Support corporate proprietary technology by documenting and patenting novel ideas.
- Develop new test methods to better predict and understand product performance in use.
- Work with more senior scientist or manager to help set project objectives.
- Coach and develop indirect reports to enhance team performance towards department objectives.
Education and experience requirements:
- Four-year technical degree (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science Engineering) or equivalent; additional business studies preferred.
- 3+ years in R&D inventing, developing, and implementing new products.
- Knowledge of and experience with developing product systems for the retail market, preferably hygiene products.
- Knowledge of materials used in retail absorbent products (e.g. pulp, super absorbent polymers, nonwovens).
- Working knowledge of consumer product converting technologies for pulp, paper, and nonwoven materials.
- Experience with the process of searching, evaluating, and filing patents.
- Experience providing direction for the physical testing of hypotheses, resulting in specific conclusions and recommendations.
- Able to speak, read and write the English language and have strong oral and written communication skills.
- Good analytical skills, with working knowledge of basic statistics.
- Good computer skills in Microsoft Office program.
- Able to travel ~20-30% to US and International for product and process trials.
What We Offer You
We believe that by continuously improving the quality of our benefits, we can help to raise the quality of life for our team members and their families. At First Quality you will receive:
- Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
- Paid time off (three-week minimum)
- Medical, dental and vision starting day one
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid parental leave
- Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
- Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums
- ...and more!
First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.
First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.
For immediate consideration, please go to the Careers section at www.firstquality.com to complete our online application.
First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.
First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.
Top Skills
What We Do
First Quality was founded over 30 years ago and has grown to become a diversified family of companies with over 4,000 employees. Manufacturing Adult Incontinence Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, Baby Wipes, Adult Washcloths, and Consumer Paper Products, we serve institutional and retail markets throughout the world. Our trusted, household brands include Prevail®, Cuties®, Plenty®, Panda®, and Incognito®
Our facilities operate independently to maintain focus on the markets they serve, but benefit from being a part of the First Quality family of companies. We may be spread out across 9 locations and 2 countries, but we are one team! With our focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability, we strive to create the best products that stand out and make a real difference in people’s lives without ever sacrificing quality for affordability.
If advanced technology, innovative thinking, and a passion for challenging the status quo excite you, come join our team at First Quality! When you look at one of our job listings what you’ll find is an opportunity: to meet teams who challenge each other to improve, encounter leaders who empower you to experiment, and discover work that inspires you. As a new employee in our FQ family your training begins day one and continues throughout your career as you learn and grow with our organization. Be part of making things better – apply today to join our team at www.firstquality.com/join-us!
