Research Engineer - Flexibles

Toppan

Packaging Americas specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable, high-performance flexible and thermoformed packaging solutions for the food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high barrier films, pouches, clamshells and trays, utilizing advanced technology to enhance product safety, visibility and environmental sustainability.

Toppan

Packaging Americas operates as part of the global TOPPAN group, with 22 manufacturing facilities across North America, Latin America and Europe.

Want to learn more? Visit us at packaging.toppan.com

Summary Description

As a Flexibles Research Engineer, you will accelerate the company's growth objectives by building the technical knowledge, research platforms, and external technology pipeline that enable the R&D and Account Development Engineers to move faster and make better-informed decisions.

In this role, you will investigate fundamental material and package performance questions, identify emerging technologies and adjacent solutions, design efficient screening methods, and translate findings into actionable guidance for the Technology Team.

Reporting into the Flexibles R&D Manager, you will also partner closely with internal and external resources to reduce technical uncertainty, shorten learning cycles, and create differentiated growth opportunities.

This position is remote with an expected travel of 15%. This is a progression position with the level being based on candidate experience and business needs.

What you'll be doing

• Plan and execute research programs that address fundamental technical questions behind priority growth platforms, customer needs, and technology roadmaps.
• Provide backend scientific and engineering support through literature reviews, hypothesis development, experimental design, material characterization, data interpretation, failure analysis, and technical recommendations.
• Convert research findings into design rules, test methods, reference datasets, and decision tools that can be applied across multiple projects.
• Monitor emerging materials, processes, equipment, analytical methods, and adjacent market technologies and identify options with potential strategic value.
• Create laboratory and benchtop screening approaches that help teams compare technologies before committing resources to pilot or production work.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers, universities, startups, contract laboratories, government organizations, and technical consortia to extend internal capability and access specialized expertise.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and training that translate complex findings into practical guidance for R&D, operations, commercial, and leadership audiences.
• Collaborate across various internal functions to connect research with business needs.
• Travel to visit suppliers, research partners, conferences, and tradeshows to advance research and learning objectives.

We'd love to hear from you if

• Bachelor of Science, preferably in Engineering, Science, Packaging, Plastics, or Chemistry; an advanced degree is preferred
• Experience in applied or fundamental research with an ability to frame complex problems, design efficient experiments, interpret data, and translate results into practical technical recommendations
• Working knowledge of flexible packaging materials, such as OPP, PET, PE, Nylon, paper, foil, coatings, adhesives, and barrier materials
• Experience working with external innovation partners
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Use of design of experiments, statistical analysis, modeling, or structured innovation methods