Technical Engineer - Chemical Engineering/Material Sciences - 3619470

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey (On-site) with travel

$80,000 – $120,000

Our client is a growing U.S.-based manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions serving the food, industrial, and consumer goods markets. With multiple domestic manufacturing facilities, the organization is focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the development of innovative, high-performance, and compliant packaging products. The company offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise, initiative, and practical problem-solving are highly valued.

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and pragmatic Mechanical or Materials Engineer to join its technical team at a manufacturing facility in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. This hands-on engineering role is ideal for an individual who combines strong polymer and materials science knowledge with practical manufacturing experience and the ability to manage projects from concept through implementation.

The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Quality, Research & Development, and Commercial teams to optimize manufacturing processes, resolve production challenges, and support the development of new packaging solutions.

This is not a purely analytical or support-based position. The organization is seeking an engineer who thinks independently, challenges assumptions, takes ownership of projects, and delivers measurable results on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of flexible plastic film manufacturing processes, including PE, PET, OPP, PA, and multilayer laminate structures.
• Optimize extrusion (blown or cast), coating, lamination, printing, sealing, and converting operations.
• Analyze processing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and dwell time to improve product performance and consistency.
• Support equipment trials, new installations, process scale-up activities, and validation efforts.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and operational efficiency.



Materials & Mechanical Performance

• Evaluate and improve mechanical properties including tensile strength, seal strength, tear resistance, and puncture resistance.
• Assess and enhance barrier performance characteristics such as OTR and MVTR for food, industrial, and cosmetic packaging applications.
• Conduct and interpret ASTM-based materials and mechanical testing.
• Develop, validate, and implement new materials, layer structures, adhesives, and process improvements.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Support compliance with FDA food-contact regulations (21 CFR 174–178) and applicable international standards.
• Assist with audits, corrective actions, statistical process control (SPC), Cp/Cpk analysis, and technical documentation.
• Promote safe work practices and sound engineering judgment within a manufacturing environment.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Work directly on the production floor to oversee trials and implement engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, R&D, and Commercial teams to bring new packaging innovations to market.
• Provide technical support for customer inquiries and product performance issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Support the development of sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or technical engineering environment.
• Experience within the flexible packaging industry is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with extrusion, lamination, sealing, or converting technologies is preferred.
• Knowledge of polymer processing, material characterization, and mechanical testing methods.
• Understanding of food packaging regulations and compliance requirements is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a hands-on, on-site manufacturing environment.

Key Traits for Success

• Self-driven and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Hands-on approach, comfortable balancing production-floor activities with technical analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to implement practical solutions.
• Sound technical judgment and confidence in decision-making.
• Detail-oriented, results-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

This opportunity is designed for an engineer who:

• Thinks critically and challenges conventional assumptions.
• Takes initiative and drives meaningful improvements.
• Accepts ownership and accountability for project outcomes.
• Aspires to grow into a key technical leadership role within the organization.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site manufacturing position that requires regular time spent in industrial production environments. Occasional travel to internal facilities and customer locations may be required.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities