As the Senior Development Scientist you will lead the charge in innovation, design, and bringing non-woven substrates to market while collaborating and working with other members of the Product Category Team to ensure successful commercialization of projects and understands future substrate needs. This consists of representatives from marketing, GPD, operations, engineering, sourcing, logistics etc. In this role, you will also develop the protocols for qualifying new vendors, direct trials at suppliers and in house converting.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
* Innovate and develop (both with existing nonwoven suppliers and upstream developers) new and improved substrates that meet business objectives.
* Work closely with substrate and upstream material suppliers.
* Planning and directing technical project activities, trials, and discussions with raw material suppliers.
* Internal Project updates & discussions with QA, Operations, Product Management as well as managing project timelines and expectations.
* Perform converting process validations.
* Define specification targets and tolerance limits and manage raw material specification approval process.
* Partner with various lines of business create strategies around various wipe products.
* Identifies and evaluates university research / resources and provides recommendations to collaborate on Global Product/Material projects.
* Participates in consumer research to drive development of next generation products.
JD Template Revised - 1/12/2023
* Provides technical information and data support for customer meetings.
* Demonstrate commitment to Rockline's RRITE Values of Renew, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
* Associates have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of each associate's essential accountabilities.
* Contribute to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to perform other job-related work, as needed, or requested.
This position is designated as a Safety-Sensitive (A safety-sensitive position is one in which the associate's inability or impaired ability to perform their job-related tasks could result in a direct threat to the associate's safety or the safety of others).

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline is required.
* 8 years' experience in the nonwovens, paper, or pulp industry in one or more of the following functions: Research and Development, Product or Process Development, Converting, or Engineering. In lieu of 8 years of experience, willing to consider Master's degree and 6 years of relevant experience.
* Understanding of MS software.
* Understanding of business systems, category strategy, and be able to recommend nonwovens to deliver on business category needs.
* Background in statistics. Understand data distributions and how to analyze and apply(Normal, Binomial, Exponential), Hypothesis testing, Understanding Central limit theorem as it relates to developing and setting specifications in manufacturing environments, DOE setup and execution using statistical software. * Knowledge of the fiber composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo is a definite plus. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. * Production and Processing. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
* Previous experience with web handling is highly desired.
* Must have the desire and ability to work independently.