Senior Polymer Scientist for Paper-Based Packaging Development

Pakka is seeking a Senior Polymer Scientist for Paper-Based Packaging Development in Portland, OR. The role involves leading R&D on surface property modifications for paper packaging, focusing on barrier technologies and coating formulations. Candidates should have extensive experience in the FMCG industry and knowledge of sustainability certifications. The position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and a commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Senior Polymer Scientist for Paper-Based Packaging DevelopmentAtPakka , we’re on a mission to revolutionize sustainable packaging with innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact. We specialize in regenerative packaging with minimum ecological impact via compostable, renewable, and recyclable packaging options. Pakka, Packaging with a Soul, proudly leads the way in sustainable packaging in applications like flexibles, rigid, wrap & carry, and consumables in food services. We are seeking scientists and engineers to shape the great future of Pakka in America. Join our growing team and make a real difference in the future of packaging.
Job Summary:
We are seeking motivated, scientifically rigorously trained and experiencedSenior Level Polymer Scientistto join our Product Development and Innovation Team. You will be leading research and development of surface property modification of paper-based packaging products such as gas barrier enhancement, oil & grease resistance, moisture proof via coating technology. You must demonstrate scientific knowledge related to surface property control like barrier technology as well as hands-on work experience in paper products in FMCG industry.
Your role is to develop commercially viable coating formulation and overall solutions for paper packaging products as Pakka introduces new products in the US market. You will work under minimal supervision for technical work and collaboratively work with cross-functional teams such as marketing and production to achieve goals. You need to show work experience engaging customers for VOCs and understand their needs to product concepts. This is a core R&D role driving Pakka’s product development is at the forefront of innovations in terms of performance meeting customer’s needs, while satisfying our commitment to saving the environment through regenerative packaging solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Leading hands-on coating formulations development of paper-based products meeting customer’s requirements such as WVTR, OTR, OGR, and Coat weight. Responsible for providing scientific rigor for the development, pilot-scale prototyping, customer trials, and ultimately meeting commercial spec to launch the products in applications like Flexibles (films, wraps) and Rigids (molded products).
Perform laboratory experiments (via DOE) to prove rigors of development and use the information to support customer engagement. Work on lab, bench, and pilot scale materials development and testing. Materials performance includes mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties under scalable process.
Have demonstrated experience commercializing paper-based packaging products and be familiar with industry regulations (compostable, recycling/repulping), LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) and securing sustainability certifications (ASTM, EU standards) necessary for product commercialization.
Stay current on industry trends, government regulations, and competitor innovations in sustainable packaging materials. Have broad substrate and raw materials experiences including wood fiber, bagasse, starch, bio-materials/polymers, and other sustainable feedstock alternatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
7+ years with Bachelor’s or 5+ Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Material Science Engineering or Chemical Engineering. Experienced Ph.D will be a definite plus.
3+ years of experience working with fibers or paper products in packaging products such as flexibles (wrap & carry) or rigid (moulded products).
Strong knowledge of formulation chemistry for coating products plus materials/polymers science for product development. Also possess deep understanding on structure/property/process relationship leading to improvement of materials performance in chemical, thermal, mechanical, and barrier.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams composed of scientists, engineers, marketing, and commercial and translate customers VOCs into tangible products solving their needs.
Proven experience in material testing, data analysis, and optimization for packaging applications with strong problem-solving skills with a passion for customer’s success and achieving sustainability.
Why Join Us?
Work on cutting-edge innovations in sustainable packaging.
Collaborate with a passionate and mission-driven team.
Opportunities for growth and advancement as we expand our R&D initiatives.
Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.
Seniority levelMid-Senior level
Employment typeFull-time
Job functionResearch, Analyst, and Information Technology
IndustriesPackaging and Containers Manufacturing#J-18808-Ljbffr