Principal Engineer, Plastics, R&D Technology & Platform Group

Velcro USA Inc.
life insurance, parental leave, sick time, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, New Hampshire, Manchester
95 Sundial Avenue (Show on map)
Feb 14, 2025
It's a great time to join Velcro Companies! Summary of Position Responsibility: Leads development of new technology and product activities by utilizing advanced scientific theory and new technology in innovative original research for major business impact. Strategic technical leader providing expertise across multiple business categories. This individual works independently and interacts cross functionally to understand unmet needs, develops technical specification, and provides technical solutions, in form of new product or new services, and launches new products per business needs. Provides scientific and technology leadership to associates and colleagues throughout the company. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Manages multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives. Provides technical expertise and ensures technical excellence of the project. Mentors on technical or scientific areas of expertise (e.g., experimental design, data analysis, and scientific techniques); serve as a subject matter expert. Designs/documents complex experiments/protocols to align with project goals, both internal and external; develops experimental path to meet requirements. Completes complex data analysis; for self and others, identifies and addresses problematic, potentially systematic, data; critiques results in relation to historical data; develops modified experimental paths based on results as appropriate. Completes project deliverables; identifies levers for go/no go decisions and incorporates them into project plan; typically serves on projects of higher impact. Identifies resources required to meet project milestones; makes recommendations for project resource needs within function. Initiates and manages external collaborations/contracts relevant to project goals Engages with external technical community to identify technical direction in area of expertise. Bringing advances to technology into the company. Draws upon a wide range of scientific knowledge which he/she reduces to a base technology having a range of applications within the Company in support of business objectives. Demonstrated body of work commensurate with position including but not limited to: development of new competencies, development of new products, implementation of new capabilities. Practices legal boundaries surrounding information sharing and documenting; may lead brainstorming for intellectual property; may review legal agreements; develops patentable concepts and submit IP disclosures. Able to communicate technically with internal functions, external partners and university collaborators, and customers and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies and apply these to find solutions/advancements. Demonstrates open and collaborative approach in all areas of responsibility. May supervise up to three subordinates usually made up of R&D Engineers and Technicians. Effectively leads cross functional teams by managing (either directly or indirectly) others to execute and deliver project objectives. Responsible for people development and holding direct reports and projects teams accountable in the appropriate manner. Maintaining a broad-based knowledge of Company products, capabilities, and technology, while keeping the company current in a specific area of expertise and technology. Contribute to a culture of innovation by proactively generating novel concepts for new products and enhancements to current product performance. Ensure compliance with company quality and safety policies, procedures, and practices as well as with all local, state, federal regulations. Management of all special characteristics (IP, CSG, CC, CS) required by customer or internally through risk analysis (FMEA) their proper capability and validation. Knowledge & Experience (Minimum Qualifications): PhD with 8 years of experience, MS degree with 14 years of experience, or BS degree with 16 years of experience. Proven ability to manage projects throughout the development cycle within a diverse manufacturing environment. Demonstrated, project leadership and skills associated with advanced studies and completion of advanced R&D programs. Must possess technical accomplishments commensurate with their years of experience through IP generation, technical documents, and significant impact to the company business. Expertise in specialty research area and broad knowledge of company products/processes and technology. Basic understanding of environmental aspects in the product life cycle. Experience working in cross-functional teams; ability to work and thrive in a team environment. Superior time management, communication, and interpersonal skills Strong formal presentations skills; experience presenting at all levels, within technical and business communities. Can-Do attitude, and solid business acumen. Recognized as the Company expert in his/her specialty area. Proven success coaching and mentoring others. MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word). Ability to travel domestically and internationally; 10% Travel. Plastics Engineering Expertise: Capable of managing multiple plastics engineering projects, from initial concept through commercialization, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and technical goals. Strong knowledge of plastics chemistry and performance characteristics, particularly polyolefin, polyester, and polyamide chemistry. Skilled in selecting, processing, and optimizing plastic materials, with experience in injection molding, extrusion, and problem-solving in manufacturing environments. Ability to apply material engineering principles to design or improve plastic components tailored for personal care, consumer, and industrial applications. Experience in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting plastics processing equipment, including extrusion lines and injection molding systems. In-depth understanding of plastics testing methodologies, including tensile, impact, thermal, and chemical resistance testing, as well as interpreting data to ensure product performance meets stringent specifications. Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams (R&D, production, quality) to drive process improvements and ensure plastic solutions meet customer and regulatory requirements. PERKS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM: At Velcro USA Inc., we truly value our employees. We strive to support each and every employee by providing a safe and healthy work environment, challenging and rewarding careers, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. Velcro USA Inc. offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time-off designed to meet the needs of our workforce. Advancement and growth opportunities are offered and encouraged to all employees. Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options) Dental Coverage Vision Coverage Flexible Spending Accounts Award Winning Wellness and Incentive Program Life Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Business Travel Accident Insurance Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) Saving Plan with generous 5.5% Company match and Immediate Vesting Time-Off Benefits Paid Vacation Time Paid Sick Time Paid Parental Leave 13 Paid Company Holidays Other Benefits and Programs Tuition Reimbursement Program Financial Wellness Benefit - Smart Dollar Employee Recognition Programs Employee Resource Groups Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program Employee Referral Bonus Program Velcro Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.