Senior Innovation Engineer (m/f/d)

kp is currently looking for a Senior Innovation Engineer for our Pharma, Health& Protection and Durables division at our site in Gendorf, Germany. The Senior Innovation Engineer will be responsible for conceptualizing new label 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.

Key Tasks And Responsibilities

• Lead innovation development projects for Label applications, including PET(g), PVC, polyolefin shrink sleeves, polyolefin PSL label films, capsule films etc. from concept to commercialization using kp’s stage gate process.
• Lead new product development through stage gate process. Drive the project to pass concept, design, prototype, qualification and commercialization stage gates.
• Initiate new ideas through greenhouse process to fill the new product development pipeline with the cross-functional team.
• 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).
• Lead and conduct proof of concept, pilot line and production line trials.
• Build up prototype to meet CTQs and CTPs through trials.
• Support qualification at downstream to assess product’s technical feasibility, like printing, seaming, shrink performance, recycling etc.
• Present results to kp’s senior leadership in stage gate review meetings.
• Responsible for supporting the drive for growth through open innovation with both internal and external partners, especially focusing on customers.
• 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.
• Provide business critical support as prioritized, leveraging technical capability for high impact
• Maintain an astute knowledge of relevant technical trends within the industry.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.
  

• Masters´ Degree or above in Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related fields.
• 5-14 years of relevant industry experience
• Project management experience in leading cross functional teams from concept to commercialization. Experience Six Sigma+Lean (Greenbelt) is preferable.
• Solid demonstrated experience in polymer processing techniques especially film extrusion, but also blown film, film stretching, casting film etc.
• Working understanding of structure property relationship for polymers such as PVC, PETg, APET, BOPET, PE, PP.
• Demonstrated experience using variety of analytical techniques such as but not limited to DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, Microscopy, Tensile Impact Testing, NMR etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work with process and production engineers to understand & solve real time operational challenges during product development.
• Deep understanding of sustainability, plastic recycling, carbon footprint etc. is a plus.
• Language proficiency – Strong English competency required; Good German desirable.