Innovation Engineer

The Company

kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

The Innovation Engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing packaging solutions with emphasis on analysing various form factors made in different barrier polymeric materials and carrying out various tests to ensure technical viability of the solution in accordance with customer requirements and will also support internal innovation developments as well as contract services projects.

*Relocation Available.

*Modified hybrid.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Create thermoformed blister cavity and blister card geometry using 3D solid modeling software derived from customer engineering drawings
• Using third party licensed software analyze barrier properties of barrier films as well as thermoformed blister.
• Design tool set solid models and ancillary components for thermoformed samples.
• Develop toolpaths using CAM software (Mastercam) for CNC machining centres.
• Set up and machine toolset components using CNC and manual machines.
• Maintain tooling to required tolerances using measuring instruments.
• Manage inventory of cutting tools and monitor tool wear.
• Produce technical drawings of tool components and maintain tool file directory.
• Set up and determine operating parameters for forming film and lidding materials on i.Center form, fill and seal machine.
• Assist with customer sample pack-out runs and prepare packaging protocol documents as needed.
• Troubleshoot thermoforming issues and implement suitable solutions.
• Perform general project management, including customer interfacing, scheduling, and material procurement.
• Assist with tracking of i.center services jobs and work with customer service to ensure customers are invoiced and payments are received.
• Request, receive, store and track various samples either from customers or from various KP sites.

Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree in Packaging Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a combination of education and work experience to be considered on an individual basis.
• 4-8 years of relevant industry experience
• Project management experience working with cross functional teams 
• Demonstrated hands-on experience using Solid Works and Master Cam to design thermoformable polymeric parts.
• Basic understanding of polymer chemistry and structure/property relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of plastics design – structure property relationship, draft angles, friction, wall geometry, thermoforming draw ratios
• Understanding of ICH, ASTM test conditions and methodology
• Experience working with internal and external customers in a fast paced environment.
• Basic understanding of various polymer conversion technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming.
• Basic understanding of various testing techniques to analyze mechanical properties of plastics such as tensile strength, tensile impact strength, dart impact, ball impact, burst testing, seal integrity testing
• Understanding of moisture and oxygen permeation through different polymeric materials.
• Understanding of various factors that may affect barrier properties of polymeric films
• PMP Certification a plus.
• Analytical testing experience following prescribed standards (ex. ASTM, ISO) and in developing novel test methods.
• Experience in Six Sigma+Lean (Greenbelt) is preferable.
• Language proficiency – Strong English competency required; Understanding of basic German desirable.
• Command on different software such as Excel, Word, Power Point, Mat Lab

Apply Now!

If you are determined, thrive in a fast-paced environment with high levels of accountability and focus, then we’d love to meet you! Please apply using the link below.

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.