Product Development Scientist

We are seeking a Product Development Scientistfor our First Quality Baby Products location in Macon GA.

The purpose of this job is to create develop and implement new and proprietary designs of absorbent-related product systems based upon business customer and consumer needs as well as provide support for the needs of present product systems to assure competitive performance and value.

Responsibilities include:

• Participate as a member of the Product Development team; execute projects in timely diligent safe and professional manner and contribute to the growth of the team and department.
• Design new products and product improvements to meet business and consumer needs.
• Develop new and improved materials and technologies with suppliers and ensure all new raw materials obtain proper safety testing and clearance.
• Use basic Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques to develop experimental plans.
• Support the existing business product cost improvements through product redesigns.
• Provide technical support to reduce consumer complaints.
• Support corporate proprietary technology by documenting and patenting novel ideas.
• Develop new test methods to better predict and understand product performance in use.
• Work with more senior scientist or manager to help set project objectives.
• Coach and develop indirect reports to enhance team performance towards department objectives.

Education and experience requirements include:

• Four year technical degree (e.g. Chemistry Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent; additional business studies preferred.
• 3 years in R&D inventing developing and implementing new products.
• Knowledge of and experience with developing product systems for the retail market preferably hygiene products
• Knowledge of materials used in retail absorbent products (e.g. pulp super absorbent polymers nonwovens).
• Working knowledge of consumer product converting technologies for pulp paper and nonwoven materials.
• Experience with the process of searching evaluating and filing patents.
• Experience providing direction for the physical testing of hypotheses resulting in specific conclusions and recommendations.
• Able to speak read and write the English language and have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good analytical skills with working knowledge of basic statistics.
• Good computer skills in Microsoft Office program.
• Able to travel 20-30% to US and International for product and process trials.