The Companykp 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.We are currently looking for an Innovation Engineer who will be responsible for planning, organizing and executing product development projects of new products and lead them through the kp stage gate process. As the technical project leader, the Innovation Engineer will be responsible from lab through pilot plant to full production and commercialization.
Key Tasks: - Leading innovation development projects for Shrink Label applications:
- Create a planning of the project activities.
- Collaborate with the product line managers and create the financials of the project (financial opportunities, costs, necessary CAPEX investments, RoI, etc.).
- Move the project through the stages Concept, Design, Prototype, Qualification and Commercialization and present the results in stage gates reviews in front of the leadership team.
- Perform/lead trials on all levels of machines (hand samples, pilot and industrial lines), analyse the materials and create meaningful documentations of trial and test results on a shared drive.
- 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, institutes and universities and work closely with core technology associates to guide development of needed materials technology.
- Identifying patent opportunities and lead the patent application process, partnering with an external patent lawyer.
- Maintain an astute knowledge of relevant technical trends within the industry.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15% of the time.
Who we are looking for:You might be a match with an University Degree in Polymer Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging, or related field and with deep knowledge in polymer processing, especially in extrusion and/or film stretching.
Other Requirements: - Project management experience in leading cross functional teams from concept to commercialization.
- Knowledgeable with PET and/or polyolefin polymer is a plus.
- Analytical testing experience following prescribed standards (ex. ASTM, ISO) and in developing novel test methods.
- Polymer processing experience, especially extrusion of polymer films.
- Experienced in Six Sigma+Lean (Greenbelt) is preferable.
- Language proficiency - English required.
- Computer programming experience is advantageous.
- Demonstrate creativity in technical problem solving and critical thinking.
- Possess the ability to think strategically from a business perspective.
- Possess sound decision making capabilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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.