Toray Plastics America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer specializing in precision-performance polyester, polypropylene, metallized, and bio-based films. Since 1985, we have been dedicated to innovation and quality, producing advanced films for diverse applications including packaging, optical, industrial, and electronic sectors. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to add value beyond basic film production.
We are seeking a dynamic Development Engineer to join our innovative team. In this role, you will drive the design, development, and optimization of mechanical and system components for cutting-edge film production processes. Your expertise will support product innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to technological advancements in a fast-paced environment.
This position is responsible for supporting and leading new development projects involving value added film technologies across all manufacturing processes at the plant. The role works closely with sales and marketing teams to translate end user requirements into innovative product solutions using Toray’s polypropylene (Torayfan®) and polyester (Lumirror®) films.Responsibilities
The ideal candidate has a broad technical background encompassing polymers, materials, chemistry, and engineering. The individual will work on projects that require strong analytical skills, creativity, and initiative. Responsibilities involve solving complex technical problems, evaluating multifaceted project variables, and making informed recommendations with limited precedent. The engineer will interact with customers to understand performance needs and validate new product development.
The ideal candidate is not expected to possess all the answers from the outset; however, they should demonstrate curiosity, resourcefulness, and the determination to develop, refine, and execute a clear path toward effective solutions.
Essential Duties
- Lead and support technical projects related to the development of value‑added PET or OPP films for specific markets or customers
- Drive new product development from initial research through scale‑up and commercialization
- Plan and execute pilot trials both on‑site and off‑site
- Plan and support production trials in collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams
- Apply a hands‑on, practical approach to experimental work including film testing, troubleshooting, and trial execution
- Perform cross-functional tasks necessary to advance project objectives, including preparing and entering product data into internal systems, coordinating materials, and ensuring readiness for production and trial activities
- Support logistics required for trial execution and customer deliveries, which may include handling materials, packaging samples, or working with warehouse personnel to stage and move product
- Conduct research and support qualification of new equipment and technologies to enable new products or improve production capabilities
- Utilize business systems (e.g., SAP) to manage inventory, create or monitor orders, and ensure proper flow of materials and documentation to support development activities
- Travel as needed to conduct trial work at pilot and customer locations
- Research and evaluate emerging technologies that may benefit Toray’s businesses
Skills & Qualifications Required
- Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, stakeholders, and timelines
- Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving abilities, including developing and executing structured approaches toward technical solutions
- Hands‑on aptitude with a willingness to engage directly in experimental work including film testing, trial preparation, material coordination, and practical tasks necessary to advance project goals
- Experience or aptitude for working cross‑functionally with production, warehouse, quality, logistics, and commercial teams
- Ability to manage and enter technical data accurately into business or manufacturing systems (e.g., SAP, PlantApps, or similar) and interpret system outputs related to inventory, orders, and product setup
- Strong organizational skills to ensure materials, equipment, and documentation are prepared for trials both on-site and off-site
- Experience with or willingness to learn experimental design methodologies (including DOE)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Capacity to research and evaluate new technologies or equipment to support product development and production enhancements
- Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, development trials, and industry events (5–10%)
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Education & Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Plastics, Materials Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with polymers, films, or materials-based manufacturing or R&D
- Experience in film processing, coatings, or related technologies preferred
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to independently research, learn, and determine the correct approach when answers are not immediately available
- Curiosity, persistence, and a problem‑solving mindset to identify, validate, and apply the appropriate solution path
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop mechanical systems and prototypes using CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Creo.
- Conduct mechanical design analyses utilizing FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles to ensure robustness and precision.
- Develop schematics and system diagrams for automation and control systems incorporating programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Arduino platforms, LabVIEW, and MATLAB/Simulink environments.
- Perform root cause analysis on mechanical failures or process issues, implementing corrective actions aligned with ASME codes & standards.
- Support manufacturing by creating detailed drafting documentation, schematics, and technical specifications adhering to industry standards.
- Engage in system design activities involving CNC machining, mechanical testing, and FEA simulations to optimize product performance.
- Assist in project scheduling and coordination to meet development milestones efficiently.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degrees are a plus.
- Proven experience with mechanical design software such as SolidWorks or Creo.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles including GD&T, schematics, and CAD drafting.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including CNC machining and FEA analysis tools.
- Knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, Arduino platforms, and system design integration.
- Experience conducting root cause analysis within manufacturing or engineering environments.
- Working knowledge of ASME codes & standards relevant to mechanical systems. Join us as a Development Engineer to innovate at the forefront of film technology! Your expertise will help shape the future of high-performance materials while advancing your career in a vibrant, forward-thinking organization committed to excellence.
Toray Plastics (America) Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. Toray Plastics (America), Inc. is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and medical related conditions), age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is the policy of Toray Plastics (America) Inc. to maintain a work environment that is safe for all persons, including the community, and conducive to attaining high work standards. To achieve these objectives, we are committed to maintaining a drug, tobacco and alcohol free workplace and perform pre-employment testing.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
