Job description

Overview
Mativ Inc. is actively searching for an innovative individual to assume the role of a Senior Research Scientist, handling new product development initiatives with emphasis in our growth targets, including packaging and sustainable solutions product categories. Neenah is well positioned for step-change growth in these areas and will need a strong candidate to help these efforts. The preferred location for this roll is Neenah, Wi.
Responsibilities:

• Develop product and process design specifically targeted in sustainable, fiber based substrate solutions in the following product categories.

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• Primary, secondary and tertiary consumer goods packaging
• Flexible packaging
• Thermoforming

• Develop an in-depth understanding of all manufacturing equipment and processes, to effectively manage new product development, cost reduction opportunities and process optimization.
• Conduct laboratory and machine trials to support new product development projects.
• Develop and control intellectual property to ensure future revenue is protected and maximized.
• Ensure R&D activities comply with corporate, state and federal laws and regulations, including employee and product safety requirements.
• Develop and execute trial plans, collaborating with Project Management and Operations teams.
• Build technical and quality control specifications for products and processes.
• Act as a liaison between Customers, Outside Suppliers, Finance/Accounting, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations to effectively execute product trials.
• Execute new product development projects within the frame work of established stage-gate process.

• Establish product specifications
• Effectively communicate product performance demands with substrate converters to meet customer specifications
• Document product specifications to meet company standards and properly hand off design requirements to Operations.
• Be recognized as the point person to oversee product scale-up and commercialization of new products.

• Technical subject matter expert
• Internal and external expert on substrate capabilities and functionality related to end use applications.
• Troubleshoot product failures or quality concerns.
• Be well versed in industry trends and how emerging technologies will affect our product categories.
• Strive to improve quality and product reliability through product design enhancements, reducing variability.
• Continuously pursue secondary raw materials, while maintaining product integrity and improving product costs.

Objectives:*
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• Efficiently design and execute new product development projects, utilizing the stage gate process with cross functional teams.
• Capture product end uses and required property and performance specifications.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Operations & Customers to develop the most cost-effective product solutions.
• Ability to articulate and troubleshoot substrate performance issues with cross functional teams and customers, serving as technical subject matter expert.

Core competencies:*
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• Demonstrated success in delivering new products that meet defined specifications and scope.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including internal and customer facing presentation ability.
• Ability to act with sense of urgency on strategic projects.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action.
• Ability to work independently or with project teams to deliver success.
• Champion and role model for the desired culture.

Preferred Qualifications:*
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• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Materials Science or a related field, from an accredited program with 7+ years of professional job-related experience. PhD a plus.
• Sound knowledge of papermaking and coating technology. Knowledge of size press surface treatment is a plus.
• Sound and proven knowledge in Polymer and Surface Chemistry relative to fiber based substrates.
• Knowledge of paper and fiber physics, testing methodologies and an understanding of paper property interrelationships.
• Knowledge of coating formulation, fluid rheology, polymer chemistry, surface chemistry and in-depth knowledge of raw materials typically used in papermaking and coating applications.
• Ability to apply scientific processes and fundamentals of designed experimentation to enhance the efficiency of R&D activities.
• Knowledge of color reproduction and color matching.
• Ability to apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma concepts to the development and improvement of products and processes.
• Knowledge of conventional and digital printing processes.
• Sound problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Travel requirements: 10% - 15%

Job Type: Full-time

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