We are seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer to join our Print & Packaging facility in Anderson, SC. This role will lead product development projects, select appropriate technologies to meet customer needs, and provide technical expertise to support continuous improvement initiatives for both new and existing products. The position works closely with quality managers and product development teams across facilities to benchmark, share best practices, and drive innovation. The successful candidate will participate in production trials and train others in testing methods.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Investigate and apply new structures and technologies to enhance the existing and new product portfolio.
- Develop new product lines to expand current offerings.
- Create proprietary technology through equipment and/or process changes to meet customer needs at optimal cost.
- Organize and manage the product development pipeline, including consumer testing plans.
Project Management
- Plan, execute, and analyze commercial and pilot line trials.
- Manage product development capital projects.
- Oversee the New Product Development (NPD) Stage Gate process from concept to commercialization.
- Develop and organize multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of objectives.
Technical Expertise & Collaboration
- Provide technical services, including planning, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting results.
- Evaluate analytical data and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate with quality managers and product development resources across facilities to share best practices.
- Work effectively with a diverse, cross-functional team of professionals to deliver on key objectives and timelines.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging, Polymer Engineering, or related technical field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of industrial manufacturing experience, including at least 2 years in product development.
- Expertise in project management, consumer testing, material testing, equipment design, trial planning/execution, and intellectual property.
- Knowledge of packaging formulation formats and manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency in material science, analytical testing procedures, statistical analysis, and Design of Experiments.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Excel), Minitab, and other relevant office systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing patents.
- Film manufacturing experience.
- Ability to lead and collaborate across multiple locations and functions, influencing teams without direct authority to achieve business objectives.
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!
