[Remote] Product Development Engineer, Industrial Flexible Films

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries. The Product Development Engineer for Industrial Flexible Films leads the design, development, and commercialization of blown polyethylene film products, driving performance improvements and advancing sustainability goals through innovative film structures.ResponsibilitiesDevelop new and improved blown film products for industrial applications (e.g., stretch hood, shrink film, heavy-duty FFS sacks, lamination and converting films, agricultural and construction films)Design multilayer coextruded film structures, including resin and additive selection, layer architecture, and gauge optimization to meet mechanical, optical, and sealing requirementsDevelop and optimize blown film extrusion processes; establish and document operating windows, and lead scale-up from lab/pilot to commercial linesLead downgauging and cost-out programs that preserve or improve performance (puncture, dart, tear, tensile, elongation, holding force, seal integrity)Integrate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into industrial film structures while maintaining performance and processabilityAdvance mono-material PE designs and design-for-recyclability in line with recognized protocols (e.g., APR / RecyClass)Evaluate emerging resins, additives, and film technologies for application fit and competitive advantageDefine test plans and interpret results across mechanical, optical, thermal, and sealing propertiesApply structure–property relationships and polymer rheology to diagnose issues and guide formulation and process decisionsUse Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical methods to drive efficient, data-based developmentRun trials at internal sites and customer/converter locations; support form-fill-seal, slitting, printing, and lamination processesProvide technical support to Sales and customers, including troubleshooting field performanceManage projects through the stage-gate process, with clear documentation, timelines, and cross-functional alignmentPartner with Product Management on product roadmaps, specifications, and business casesCollaborate with Operations and Quality on manufacturability, specifications, and qualificationMaintain thorough technical records; contribute to IP, specifications, and knowledge captureSkillsBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer/Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field3+ years of experience in polyethylene film extrusion, flexible packaging, or converting [adjust to target level]Working knowledge of blown film extrusion and multilayer coextrusionUnderstanding of polyethylene resins (LDPE, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE), additives, and structure–property relationshipsExperience taking products from concept through scale-up and commercializationProficiency with DOE and statistical analysis; comfort interpreting film test dataStrong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skillsWillingness to travel up to 50% to manufacturing sites and customersMaster's degree in a relevant engineering or polymer disciplineDirect experience with industrial film applications (stretch hood, shrink, FFS, lamination, ag/construction)Experience integrating PCR content and developing recyclable mono-material PE structuresFamiliarity with recyclability protocols (APR, RecyClass) and relevant EPR/PCR regulatory driversSix Sigma / Lean certification (Green or Black Belt) and DMAIC project experienceHands-on extrusion line and pilot-plant experienceBenefitsBonusBenefits401(k) plan with company matchComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insuranceFlexible spending and health savings accountsPaid vacation, and sick daysPaid parental leavePaid holidays and wellness programMedical, dental and vision insuranceA variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial healthSkills development to advanced education programsTraining and development programs and courses are available through MyLearningCompany and industry training curriculaSupport for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union)A Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organizationCompany OverviewNovolex is a packaging and food services company that serves customers in retail, grocery service, institutional, and industrial markets. It was founded in 2003, and is headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.novolex.com/.Company H1B SponsorshipNovolex has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 4 in 2025, 1 in 2024, 1 in 2023, 1 in 2022. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.