INOVATION PRODUCT MANAGER WITH R&D FOCUS - TECHNICAL NONWOVEN TEXTILES

Job offer

This is an international technology company that is a leader in the development and production of highly specialized components and systems, primarily for the automotive industry and other demanding high-tech sectors. The company supplies its innovative products to global customers and invests significantly in research and development – and this is where this role comes into play.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a proven track record in the development of fiber-based products, who is ready to design the next generation of products. This position is ideal for someone who wants to have a real impact on the direction of innovation. A focus on acoustic insulation is an advantage but not a requirement – what matters most is the ability to bring new ideas and turn them into concrete technical solutions, connecting applications, materials, and product development. A combination of R&D and product development.

Within the research and development department, you are in charge of ensuring the success of the technical nonwoven research and development projects.

As such, your main mission will be the following:

• Be the Material/Product Development Process leader for our technical nonwoven new products: define the polymers, the fiber blends and the products layup so that the final product has the requested features while achieving the targeted cost. This include both new products development and current product range optimization
• Initiate new ideas in product development, innovative raw materials and process technologies. Explore ideas and technologies. Interpret results as they relate to business objectives. Advise on the importance and feasibility of the technology. Define and implement our in-house product development laboratory capabilities
• Independently plan and lead execution of development and testing protocols to explore modes of problem solution or routes of new product or technology creation. Ability to understand different physics to properly design our products. Ability to interact effectively with engineering, marketing and sales to help identify un-met commercial product needs
• Maintain and expand expertise in nonwoven, fibers and polymer science related. Develop a network of external expertise (academics, textile institutes, industry)
• Develop and protect intellectual property. Support patent activities through filing activities, patent surveillance, and defense of our intellectual property
• Be an active participant in the R&D community
• Be a liaison to the commercial function and an ambassador of our technology to customers
• Serve as a champion of a safety practices in the lab and office environment

Education / Experience :

• M.S., or Ph.D. in the textile nonwoven sciences and engineering including materials science and polymer science. Experienced scientist with a confirmed record of technical achievement in nonwoven formulation Demonstrated achievement is more important than experience, however, a 1 year industrial experience would be appreciated. Proven experience in the development of technical nonwovens with acoustic, thermal, flame resistance and/or comfort properties
• You are proposing initiatives and know how to be creative and able to innovate. You have an interest in technique and a strong taste for research in industrial environment. You also have the wish to actively participate in trials and experiments and not only manage them
• Demonstrated experience in working in the international context. Good connection with fibers and tiers 2 nonwoven suppliers. Good knowledge of the nonwoven processes, their capabilities and their complementary secondary and recycling processes (lamination, thermoforming, shredding…)
• Ability to communicate in multi-disciplinary teams and convince internally and externally. Skills in English language is a must, French and German is a plus
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools
• Knowledge of ISO standards and others is a plus

We Offer:

• A challenging and technically advanced role in a leading international technology company
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of the next generation of technical products with a global impact
• Room for innovation, creativity, and the implementation of your own ideas
• Direct influence on the direction of research and development – a combination of R&D and product engineering
• Collaboration with experts from various fields and access to modern technologies
• Professional growth and development in the field of material and polymer science
• A stable work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package
• A friendly and open working atmosphere that supports teamwork
• The possibility to work from home one day per week
• Flexibility and a healthy work-life balance

Are you interested in this opportunity? Send me your CV and cover letter in English – I’ll be happy to get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.