Research and Development Engineer

Join Reynolds Consumer Products…and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!

We currently have an opportunity for a Research and Development Engineer at our Manufacturing Facility in Appleton, WI.

The Research & Development Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and commercialization of new products, equipment, and manufacturing processes. This role coordinates and executes product and process development projects from concept through implementation, working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Sales & Marketing, and external suppliers.

The successful candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on problem solving, data analysis, and project execution skills. This individual will lead laboratory and manufacturing trials, support process scale-up activities, develop innovative solutions, and apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to create practical, cost-effective designs that can be successfully implemented in production.

You Will Have the Opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!

Product & Process Development

• Lead and support product and process development projects to meet business, customer, manufacturing, and quality objectives.
• Design and develop mechanical components, tooling, equipment modifications, and manufacturing solutions using CAD software.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, test methods, and technical documentation.
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, equipment, and manufacturing methods to improve product performance and operational efficiency.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to develop reliable, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.

Trial Planning & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and execute laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing-scale trials.
• Analyze trial and production data to identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and product improvement.
• Support product launches and process scale-up activities at manufacturing facilities.
• Work closely with Production Scheduling and Operations teams to coordinate trials and equipment modifications while minimizing production disruption.
• Assist with the design, implementation, and analysis of statistically designed experiments and process controls.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Provide engineering support to manufacturing facilities during startup, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Procurement, Sales & Marketing, and external suppliers to solve technical challenges and implement improvements.
• Research and evaluate supplier technologies, equipment, and materials to support product and process development efforts.
• Develop and deliver training, procedures, and documentation for new equipment, processes, and operating practices.

Innovation & Documentation

• Ensure technical work, trial results, and project findings are properly documented and communicated.
• Support intellectual property development through idea generation, documentation, invention disclosures, and patent activities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging manufacturing technologies, materials, design methods, and industry best practices.

Safety & Compliance

• Perform all work in a safe manner that protects employees, consumers, and the environment.
• Support compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

You Will Love It Here If… 

• You listen, learn, and evolve
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment
• You put safety first, always
• You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
• You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
• You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences 

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related Engineering discipline.
• 2–5 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, process engineering, equipment design, or related engineering roles.

Experience

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred

• Experience in plastics, packaging, extrusion, converting, consumer products, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, process scale-up, and equipment implementation.
• Experience with flow simulation, finite element analysis, or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and process control methodologies.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and technical documentation control.

Competencies

• Results Driven - Effectively executes projects and achieves business objectives while balancing quality, timing, and cost considerations.
• Critical Decision Making - Uses technical expertise, data analysis, and sound judgment to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Customer Focus - Understands consumer and customer needs and incorporates those insights into product and process development.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - Builds strong working relationships across functions and collaborates effectively to achieve shared goals.
• Communication - Communicates complex technical information clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Innovation - Demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and initiative in identifying opportunities and developing new solutions.
• Ownership & Accountability - Takes responsibility for project outcomes and proactively drives work to completion.
• Strategic Thinking - Balances immediate project needs with long-term product, technology, and business objectives.

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!

Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!

Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!

Local candidates only, no relocation assistance available

Join Reynolds Consumer Products and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!

For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing us at [email protected].

No recruiter calls or emails please.

RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.