Plastics Design Engineer

Avantor is looking for a Plastics Design Engineer to be responsible for hands-on execution of various project activities. They play a key role in supporting the design, development, and qualification of plastic films, plastic components, and systems – including injection molded parts, extrusion of tubing and film – for biopharmaceutical and related applications from innovation project conception to completion by working closely with customers globally. 

This person multitasks in their dynamic position through planning and defining project activities in close partnership with R&D, marketing, sales, supply chain, quality, operations, project management and external customers.

This is a full-time onsite position at our Innovation and Technology Center in Bridgewater, NJ.

As a part of the customer engagement model, this person will also travel up to 20% and work at customer sites as needed to successfully implement the project.

How you will thrive and create an impact:

• New Product Design: Develop innovative designs for plastic components, focusing on injected molded parts and extrusion tubing for various applications.
• Product Development: Lead and participate in product development projects, overseeing prototyping, testing, and optimization of plastic parts.
• Material Selection & Qualification: Evaluate and select appropriate plastic materials based on application requirements, perform material qualification, and document findings.
• Process Optimization: Contribute to process improvements in plastics manufacturing, including injection molding, extrusion, and plastics processing.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain technical documentation, qualification protocols, test plans, and reports related to plastics engineering projects.
• Travels to customers’ sites and/or internal Avantor sites to clearly define deliverables, conduct voice of customers and support project generation activities.
• Facilitates and participates in daily, weekly and monthly project check-in meetings and adjusts plan and activities based on feedback to complete project on time.
• Presents finding and project outcome and value proposition at internal or customer meetings, industry associations and conferences.
• Takes initiative to identify and implement innovative approaches and new methodologies by searching literature and/or participating in discussions.
• Complies with all safety, environmental and quality policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

What we're looking for:

• Education:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering & Technology, Polymer Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience:
• Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in plastics engineering, plastics manufacturing, or related roles, preferably in the food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience in plastics engineering, plastics manufacturing, or related roles.
• Knowledge of injection molding, extrusion, and various polymer processing techniques desired.
• Additional Qualifications:
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Skilled in preparing and maintaining qualification documents, such as protocols, test plans, and technical reports.
• Self-motivated, attentive to detail, and able to collaborate well within a research and development team environment.
• Knowledgeable in injection molding methodologies and troubleshooting procedures.
• Demonstrated proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling/design software, including SolidWorks or comparable platforms.
• Well-versed in extrusion operations (including film extrusion) and comprehensive plastics processing.
• Experienced in material property analysis and selection of engineered plastics.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and advanced problem-solving capabilities.
• Possesses excellent communication, presentation and collaborative teamwork skills.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of information in written, verbal and diagram formats
• Strong sense of urgency, initiative, and drive for results
• Strong organization and prioritization skills

Environmental Working Conditions & Physical Effort:

• The work environment is a laboratory/office setting, and the appropriate PPE will be required in designated areas.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
 

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.