Career Opportunities: Product Development Specialist

Requisition ID5181-Posted -Food & Consumer Packaging-Food Packaging BU-Stevens Point- Posting Country (1)

You have a choice of where you want to work We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth. Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us??

The role of Product Development Specialist is to provide technical expertise and support the business by developing new specialty paper products. Plan, design, and conduct experiments and trials to make product prototypes that meet specific targets and timelines. Develop new test methods and product specifications, as needed.

Accountabilities

- Develop new products in alignment with Ahlstrom’s specialty growth strategy. Generate new ideas and intellectual property which leads to new sales and revenues for the business. Enhance customer relationships by preparing prototypes, defining product specs and costs, and coordinating pilot coater trials.
- Support and assist in trouble-shooting and problem-solving related to existing and new products manufactured in Stevens Point, WI.
- Provide technical assistance in the implementation of procurement/cost-reduction initiatives.
- Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships within product development, operations, technical, and sales & marketing departments.
- Develop appropriate external contacts to maintain awareness of latest and emerging technologies in areas applicable to existing or future businesses.
- Demonstrate strong understanding of industry and markets and technology trends; identifying threats and opportunities and ensuring business issues are addressed; understand underlying customer issues and identify approaches to achieve results and solutions.
- Track and communicate progress of projects using project management method, and document results appropriately. Participate as a team member in cross-functional product development teams.
- Visit customers, as required.

Requirements

- Degree in paper science, chemical engineering or related technical disciplines.
- Greater than three (3) years of experience; substitution of directly relevant work experience for education.
- Experience with specialty paper coatings a plus.
- Have knowledge of coating processes, materials, and applications.
- Prioritize and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork and organizational skills.
- Communicate well, both written and verbal, including customer interaction skills.

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

About Us. Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people.

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