Major Job Responsibilities:

The role is housed at SAPPI's Westbrook, Maine R & D facility and will involve technology development as it relates to all aspects of stock preparation and fiber development, wet end chemistry, and base sheet manufacture to support Sappi’s packaging and coated paper businesses.  The successful candidate will work on development of new technology and products that allow Sappi to make more environmentally friendly, better performing and profitable products into the next decade.     

• Designs, conducts and analyzes results from bench, pilot and manufacturing trials aimed at new product development, and new technology development related to product design improvement and cost reduction.

• Analyzes data, prepares reports, and makes recommendation for next steps in project work.

• Stays up to date on current and future trends of paper and paper-based packaging technology.  Assists in technology scoping work.

• Will occasionally work on projects related to mill troubleshooting and optimization.

• Participates on interdisciplinary project teams and will contribute to the development of technical approaches and lead sub-elements of an overall project plan.

Desired competencies:

• Basepaper fiber development, including fiber selection and refining for specific attributes.

• Wet end chemistry, including retention, sizing and strength applications.

• Fiber pulping and bleaching processes

• Application experience or knowledge in the area of cellulose fibrils (CMF, CNF, CNC).

• Technical leadership of strategic projects with a business focus.

• Coordination and execution of complex manufacturing trials.

• Effective leadership/participation of cross-functional teams for cost reduction and product development initiatives.

• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing setting.

• Can work independently or in a team environment, with a proven ability to complete assignments in a timely manner.  Can work equally well in a lead or support role.

• Demonstrated skills with regard to the commercialization of technology developments preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in the area of coated board is desirable.

Requirements:  Minimum Education and Skills

• Minimum of a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper, or Chemistry.  Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years experience working in a manufacturing or R&D environment, preferably in the area of basepaper for coated and specialty papers. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of papermaking equipment, fiber development and wet end process chemistry. 

• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and projects.

• Must be able to travel.