Packaging R&D Engineer - Thermoforming

Job Title: Packaging R&D EngineerMarket Segment: Thermoformed Consumer PackagingLocation: On-site/Hybrid in Chicago, ILPosition Brief:The Chatham Group: Advanced Materials and Technologies Recruiting Team is seeking qualified candidates for a Packaging R&D Engineer role with a client in the thermoformed consumer and food packaging industry. Ideal candidates will have 5-7+ years of experience in plastics materials processing and manufacturing with a focus on experience in the packaging industry. The role focuses on the development of thermoformed packaging solutions based on emergent market trends, customer needs, and internal initiatives. You will create new packaging concepts, make models with rapid prototyping tools, and collaborate with tooling and other engineering personnel to from desk top to pilot production through commercialization scale up. Responsibilities:Become a site SME on consumer thermoformed packaging design including materials, design constraints, tooling, and prototypingDevelop thermoformed packaging technologies for novel applications in multipartitioned trays, portion control packaging, and other food and consumer packaging applicationsWork with the manufacturing team to develop prototypes, pilot scale products, and commercial productionWork with customers and clients to address their unmet market needsAttend tradeshows and conferences to discover emergent trendsLead packaging testing trials for filling, stackability, etc.Requirements:5-7+ years of experience in packaging engineering and packaging development with a focus on thermoformed products such as trays and blister packs for use in food and consumer productsBS/MS in Packaging Engineer, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Science, or other highly relevant fieldStrong polymer chemistry background with PE, PET, PP, PS, PVC, and other resinsDemonstrable experience in extrusion and thermoforming tooling design and product rapid prototypingOrganized and self motivated to work in a fast paced, small team environmentAbility to work onsite 3+ days per weekCompensation will be commensurate with experience and relocation may potentially be provided for qualified candidates.