PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Role details

Job Summary

The Product Development Associate is responsible for executing assigned product development and product improvement activities, with a primary focus on alternate raw material qualification, production validation, cost reduction, supply continuity, and process improvement. The role directly observes and monitors laboratory, pilot, and production trials to confirm that approved trial plans and process conditions are followed.

Working under the guidance of Product Development Engineers and the Product Development Manager, the Associate prepares for and oversees assigned development and qualification activities, monitors trial execution, records process conditions and observations, coordinates testing and sample collection, evaluates results against established acceptance criteria, and documents conclusions and follow-up actions. The Associate serves as the Product Development representative during assigned trials and is expected to identify deviations, communicate concerns in real time, and escalate technical or operational issues for engineering review.

Key Responsibilities

Execute assigned product development, product improvement, alternate raw material qualification, cost-reduction, and process-validation activities using approved specifications, test methods, trial plans, and change-control requirements. Prepare materials, laboratory testing, production schedules, technical documentation, and cross-functional support required for assigned development, improvement, and qualification projects. Lead the day-to-day execution of assigned production validation trials in coordination with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other applicable functions.

Confirm trial readiness by verifying materials, production schedules, equipment availability, sampling plans, test requirements, acceptance criteria, and required approvals before trial startup. Serve as the Product Development representative during assigned laboratory, pilot, and production trials associated with new products, product improvements, process improvements, raw material changes, and cost-reduction initiatives; directly observe and monitor trial execution, process conditions, material usage, sampling, and adherence to the approved trial plan.

Monitor key process parameters and product observations during qualification trials; document conditions and deviations, communicate concerns in real time, and escalate technical or operational issues that may affect trial validity or product performance. Collect representative samples and, in collaboration with the Testing Team, perform routine physical and performance testing in accordance with ASTM standards, PSTC methods, internal procedures, product specifications, and customer requirements.

Compile, organize, and summarize qualification and validation data; compare results with specifications and acceptance criteria, identify exceptions or trends, and escalate technical concerns for engineering review. Prepare trial reports, qualification summaries, protocols, specifications, change-control documentation, and supporting records under the direction of Product Development Engineers or management. Maintain accurate and traceable project, laboratory, raw material, test, and trial documentation in applicable company systems and shared records.

Monitor follow-up production runs and coordinate additional testing to confirm successful implementation and sustained performance of approved product, process, or raw material changes. Support Product Development Engineers with product and process troubleshooting and development activities through structured testing, data collection, sample evaluation, trial monitoring, documentation, and support of root-cause investigations. Communicate qualification status, trial observations, process deviations, results, risks, open items, and required follow-up actions to Product Development and cross-functional stakeholders.

Identify and support opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing processes, material utilization, raw material cost, supply continuity, and value engineering while maintaining established quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. Follow all plant safety, quality, environmental, document-control, and change-control requirements and actively contribute to a safe work environment. Develop technical knowledge of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, adhesives, coatings, films, foils, fabrics, release liners, raw materials, and related converting processes through training and hands-on experience. Perform additional responsibilities as required to support business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in a technical discipline preferred; an equivalent combination of technical education, manufacturing experience, laboratory experience, or related training will be considered. Zero to three years of relevant experience in product development, laboratory testing, quality, manufacturing, engineering technician, or process-support work preferred. Experience with adhesives, coatings, polymers, extrusion, rubber mixing, continuous web coating, converting, or related manufacturing processes is a plus. Ability to follow written test methods, specifications, qualification plans, trial protocols, safety procedures, and work instructions accurately.

Ability to collect, organize, and perform basic interpretation of technical data; compare results with established requirements and recognize conditions requiring escalation. Hands-on mechanical aptitude and willingness to work in laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing environments while maintaining focus on technical coordination and documentation. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and standard computer applications; experience with data entry, document control, or electronic quality systems is preferred.

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with hourly personnel, technical staff, and management. Familiarity with ASTM standards, PSTC test methods, ISO systems, quality processes, change control, or laboratory best practices is a plus. Previous experience supporting material qualifications, production validations, quality inspections, laboratory testing, or manufacturing trials is desirable. Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required to support scheduled production validation trials.

Ability to work effectively under the direction of Product Development Engineers and management while demonstrating initiative, reliability, attention to detail, and sound judgment within defined procedures.