Product Development Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly motivated Product Development Engineer to join our Product Development team, focused on implementing new commercial products and optimizing existing offerings. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Procurement across multiple sites and business units to ensure our portfolio meets both customer expectations and internal performance standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings strong technical acumen, and has a passion for innovation. This position could be in the Nekoosa/Wisconsin Rapids or Appleton, WI area depending on applicant need. Travel will be required to multiple locations within the Nekoosa businesses and M2S Group locations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

New Product Development (60%)

• Lead the execution of new product development initiatives, ensuring alignment with customer CTQs (Critical to Quality).

• Plan and conduct manufacturing trials transitioning from prototype to full-scale production, including off-shift trial support as needed.

• Analyze trial results to assess cost, performance, and quality metrics; iterate designs as necessary.

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to incorporate customer feedback and drive product refinement.

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and market trends to assess risk and opportunities that may impact future profitability.

• Support operational scale-up efforts to ensure efficient, high-quality production of new products.

• Effectively leading these projects will require travel to the production sites involved, possibly 30-50% of the time.

Cost Improvement (20%)

• Evaluate and recommend alternative raw materials (e.g., chemicals, paper, film substrates) to improve performance and reduce costs.

• Partner with Procurement to define incoming material specifications based on product requirements and trial outcomes.

• Contribute to achieving annual cost savings goals by qualifying new suppliers, leveraging pricing opportunities, and supporting sourcing strategies.

Project Leadership (20%)

• Act as a technical resource for Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot complex product or manufacturing challenges.

• Design and coordinate advanced testing protocols to support continuous improvement and product stability.

• Commit to and execute product development goals aligned with defined project milestones.

• Interface effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities and commercialize innovation.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Coatings Engineering, or related field

• Minimum 2 years of experience in coating, chemical, or related industry; exceptional entry-level candidates will be considered

• Background in manufacturing, R&D, or technical support involving complex products

• Demonstrated ability to manage varying workloads across multiple projects with competing deadlines

• Curious, creative, adaptable, and self-motivated

• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

• Skilled in trial planning, execution, and providing clear direction to technicians and operators

• Decisive and confident when leading manufacturing trials or resolving technical issues

• Able to lead small to mid-sized sub-projects aligned with broader business objectives

What We Offer You
Benefits are the game changer!  We value our team members health and happiness by providing new hires benefit eligibility on the 1st of the month following date of hire. Our benefits may include:

• Competitive medical, dental, life, AD&D, and vision insurance plans.

• 24/7 onsite fitness center, free of charge.

• Generous annual time off allotment, including vacation (based on company service), parental leave, paid volunteer time, sick or emergency time, and 12 holidays. 

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year), scholarships for dependents, monthly cell phone reimbursement (professional positions), and annual steel toe and prescription safety glasses reimbursement.

• 401(k), Health Savings Account Plan (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (available to employees and their families), annual bonus program, referral bonus program, STD, LTD, and much more!

A post-offer background check, and drug screen are required.

Nekoosa 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.