Senior Staff Engineer/ Principal Engineer, Non-Woven

It's a great time to join Velcro Companies!

The Non-Woven Engineer leads the development of new technologies and products by applying advanced scientific principles and pioneering research to drive significant business impact. As a strategic technical leader with cross-category expertise, this individual operates independently and collaborates across functions to identify unmet needs, define technical specifications, and deliver innovative solutions in the form of new products or services. As the highest-ranking technical expert in the organization, they provide scientific and technological leadership company-wide. Recognized globally as a thought leader in their field, they offer guidance and mentorship both within and outside the company.

Senior vs. Principal Levelling to be determined during Interview Process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Responsible for expertise within a particular area or specific discipline which involves knowledge of advanced technology and scientific theory where that expertise may make the Incumbent responsible throughout the Company.
• Initiate and direct other projects to utilize new technology developments or advanced technical breakthroughs for new improved products, processes, materials, and applications.
• Support activities where advanced scientific theories and principles are needed for solutions and exploration.
• With thorough understanding of Company's goals and direction, ensure original and state of the art research and project endeavors follow company guidelines.
• Present written results to technical and business communities internally, and, if necessary, externally. The caliber of the research may in some cases merit publication in journals and digests or public discussion at professional technical conference and seminars.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives.
• Provides technical expertise and ensures technical excellence of the project.
• Mentors on technical or scientific areas of expertise, serves as a subject matter expert.
• Designs/documents complex experiments/protocols to align with project goals, both internal and external; develops experimental path to meet requirements.
• Completes complex data analysis; for self and others, develops experiments based on results as appropriate for speedy project completion in high quality.
• Completes project deliverables; identifies levers for go/no go decisions and incorporates them into project plan; typically serves on projects of higher impact.
• Identifies resources required to meet project milestones; makes recommendations for project resource needs within function.
• Initiates and manages external collaborations/contracts relevant to project goals
• Engages with external technical community to identify technical direction in area of expertise.
• Bring advances to technology into the company; draws upon a wide range of scientific knowledge which he/she reduces to a base technology having a range of applications within the Company in support of business objectives.
• Demonstrated body of work commensurate with position including but not limited to, development of new competencies, development of new products, implementation of new capabilities.
• Practice legal boundaries surrounding information sharing and documenting; may lead brainstorming for intellectual property; may review legal agreements; develops patentable concepts and submit IP disclosures.
• Communicate with internal functions, external partners and university collaborators, and customers and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies and apply these to find solutions/advancements.
• May supervise up to three subordinates usually made up of R&D Engineers and Technicians.
• Effectively leads cross functional teams by managing (either directly or indirectly) others to execute and deliver project objectives.
• Responsible for people development and holding direct reports and projects teams accountable in the appropriate manner.
• Maintaining a broad-based knowledge of Company products, capabilities, and technology, while keeping the company current in a specific area of expertise and technology.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by proactively generating novel concepts for new products and enhancements to current product performance.
• Ensure compliance with company quality and safety policies, procedures, and practices as well as with all local, state, federal regulations.
• Management of all special characteristics (IP, CSG, CC, CS) required by customer or internally through risk analysis (FMEA) their proper capability and validation.

Knowledge & Experience (Minimum Job Qualifications):

• PhD with 10 years of experience, MS degree with 15 years of experience, BS with 20 years of work experience, equivalent advanced studies, and minimum of 10 years of experience in non-woven fabric R&D, particularly with spun bond, SMS, and hook-engageable materials.
• Demonstrated mastery of innovative original research in field of specialization, through IP generation, technical documents and significant results impacting the industry.
• Recognized as the top expert in the industry, in non-woven industry.
• Strong knowledge of material testing standards, quality control measures, and industry regulations related to non-wovens.
• Lead research, development, and optimization of advanced non-woven fabric technologies, with a focus on spun bond, SMS, and hook-engageable materials.
• Drive innovation in non-woven material properties to meet industry standards and improve performance in applications like hygiene, medical, and industrial products.
• Develop, implement, and oversee experimental protocols, process parameters, and material testing for enhanced fabric durability, functionality, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product design, and manufacturing, to transition new materials from concept to production.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers, sharing knowledge on non-woven technologies and best practices to build team capabilities.
• Present technical insights, research findings, and project progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Effective communicator, with experience presenting complex technical information to non-technical audiences. Strong skills in both oral and written communication, including formal presentations of results at all levels, within technical and business communities, internally and externally.
• MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word).Minitab.SolidsWorks.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally; 10% Travel.

PERKS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM:

At Velcro USA Inc., we truly value our employees. We strive to support each and every employee by providing a safe and healthy work environment, challenging and rewarding careers, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. Velcro USA Inc. offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time-off designed to meet the needs of our workforce. Advancement and growth opportunities are offered and encouraged to all employees.

Health and Welfare Benefits:

Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options)

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Award Winning Wellness and Incentive Program

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Business Travel Accident Insurance

Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Retirement Savings Plan

401(k) Saving Plan with generous 5.5% Company match and Immediate Vesting

Time-Off Benefits

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

Paid Parental Leave

13 Paid Company Holidays

Other Benefits and Programs

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Financial Wellness Benefit - Smart Dollar

Employee Recognition Programs

Employee Resource Groups

Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Velcro Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.