Senior 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 Senior Innovation Engineer will be responsible for conceptualizing new packaging solutions and driving them through kp’s stage gate process. As the technical project leader, the innovation engineer will be responsible for product development from concept to commercialization working with global cross functional teams. 

*Relocation Available.

*Modified hybrid.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Lead innovation development projects for Pharma (Solid and Liquid Oral Dosage), Medical Device and Consumer packaging applications from concept to commercialization using kp’s stage gate process.
  • Conceptualize, develop and launch technically and commercially viable high/ultra-high barrier packaging solutions in the market.
  • Construct product design brief in collaboration with the cross functional team (Innovation, Business Development, Product Line Management, Sales, Operations and Procurement) to define product’s critical to quality (CTQs) and critical to process (CTPs).
  • Drive projects through concept, design, prototype, qualification and commercialization stages. 
  • Present results to kp’s senior leadership in stage gate review meetings. 
  • Drive product development by working closely with global innovation and cross functional teams.
  • Create project financials (financial opportunities, costs, necessary CAPEX investments, ROI etc.) by collaborating with product line and business development managers. 
  • Lead and conduct proof of concept, pilot and commercial trials.
  • Analyze, interpret and document test results and ensure product meets with Critical to Quality (CTQ) and Critical to Process (CTP’s) as stated in the design brief.
  • Perform application trials to assess product’s technical feasibility using form, fill and seal machine.
  • Use analytical techniques to benchmark competitive product offerings and develop product to either circumvent competitive IP or create new IP. 
• Responsible for supporting the drive for growth through open innovation with both internal and external partners, especially focusing on customers.
• Identify and promote opportunities for growth beyond actual solution portfolio.
• Identify product alternatives, fabricating and evaluating prototypes.
• Interact directly with end-users to develop solutions and/or product concepts based on true market needs.    
• Cooperation with external partners such as machine suppliers, material suppliers, technical institutes and universities and work closely with core technology associates to guide development of needed materials technology.
• Identify patent opportunities and lead the patent application process, partnering with an internal/external patent attorney.
• Maintain an astute knowledge of relevant technical trends within the industry.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.

Requirements:

• Masters Degree in Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related fields + 8-14 years of relevant industry experience
• Project management experience in leading cross functional teams from concept to commercialization. PMP Certification a plus.
• Experience in analytical testing using industry standards such as (ex. ASTM, ISO) and in developing novel test methods.
• Polymer processing experience, especially extrusion of polymer films.
• Experience Six Sigma+Lean (Greenbelt), formal problem solving techniques is preferable.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting design and process failure mode and effects analysis
• Solid demonstrated experience in polymer processing techniques such as Cast Extrusion, Extrusion Coatings, Extrusion Lamination, Adhesive Lamination, Gravure Coating, Gravure/Flexo Printing
• Working understanding of structure property relationship for polymers such as PVC, PVDC, PCTFE, APET, BOPET, PE, PP and variety of solvent and water based barrier/adhesive coatings.
• Extensive experience in thermoforming  using both flat and rotary sealing machines.
• Demonstrated experience using variety of analytical techniques such as but not limited to DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, Microscopy, Seal Integrity Testing, Tensile Impact Testing, Barrier Testing using Mocon/Gravitest
• Demonstrated experience developing barrier packaging solutions for the healthcare industry: medical device, pharmaceutical packaging and nutraceutical packaging
• Demonstrated ability to work with process and production engineers to understand & solve real time operational challenges during product development
• Working knowledge of pharma, medical device and food regulatory compliances.
• Deep understanding of sterile barrier technology and various sterilization techniques
• Language proficiency – Strong English competency required; Understanding of basic German desirable.
• Command on different software such as Excel, Word, Power Point

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.