Technical Engineer

The Company

kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

kp is currently looking for a Technical Engineer at our i-Center based in Charlottesville, VA. The Technical Engineer will be responsible for planning and execution of tool design, CNC machining and related modeling work. This hands-on role supports innovation and product development by designing tooling for thermoforming, cutting tools using CNC machines and running thermoforming trials as needed. The ideal candidate is mechanically oriented, is a problem solver, has strong technical knowledge and experience using tool design and flow analysis software as well as a customer-centric focus.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Understand customer requirements for tool build and tool sets and design tooling for in house thermoforming machine as per customer specifications.
• Collaborate with innovation engineers, product line management, and commercial teams to translate customer needs into technical solutions.
• Perform finite element analysis as needed and create blister cavity and card design using 3D modeling.
• Recommend optimized tool design to increase barrier efficiency for customer’s molecule packaging.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot CNC machines and auxiliary equipment used to generale tool path.
• Support innovation engineers on work packages as part of the overall innovation project.
• Maintain inventory of cutting tools.
• Contribute to and support blister pro services by performing simulation analysis.
• Create analytical reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce technical drawings of tool components and maintain tool file directory.
• Support customer visits and technical discussions acting as a key technical contact.
• Analyze trial data, document results, and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Ensure safe operation and compliance with internal standards and procedures.
• Support training and onboarding of new colleagues
• Work in conjunction with i.center partners on overall drug stability projects.
• Support i-center direct and indirect revenue generation.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering/Tool Engineering/Design Engineering. Technical apprenticeship with several years of relevant experience is a plus.

Knowledge:

• Solid understanding of CAD/CAM, Tool path generation, tool design and simulation software
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings including GD&T
• Hand on proficiency in mechanical design principals (fits, tolerancing, material selection)
• Hand on machining & tool building experience (manual & automated machining)
• Proficiency in 3D modelling programs (e.g. Solidworks, Rhinoceros, T-Sim etc.)
• Strong organizational ability & ability to assess resource requirements (time, materials, etc.)
• Good project management, report writing and documentation skills a must.

Functional/Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with various tool design and simulation software such as solid works, T-sim, CAD/CAM
• Hands on experience working on CNC machines and developing various tooling
• Hands on experience using various instruments such as tensile tester, impact tester, rapid prototyping software
• Proficient in Microsoft Office – Ability to Enter and Interpret Data in Excel and write project reports in Word.
• Understanding of regulatory and ISO/EU systems a plus.
• Background in Pharma/Medical Device Packaging a plus.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to independently engage with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
• Strategic thinking and a good understanding of business and customer needs.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer support or training.

Apply Now!

If you are determined, thrive in a fast-paced environment with high levels of accountability and focus, then we’d love to meet you! Please apply using the link below.

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.

***Please be aware of recruitment scams. Klöckner Pentaplast will never ask candidates to provide payments, bank details, national identification numbers, or any other sensitive personal information during the interview process. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a communication claiming to be from kp, please contact us directly at [email protected].