As the Development Scientist, you will focus on new product development and business support projects at the next scope level. This role may also provide support for small to medium in scope projects as needed/requested. Your journey includes developing and leading varied activities with vendors and cross functional teams supporting product development from inception to commercialization. Engage in the Right to Practice process, consumer research and identification of partnerships for project collaboration. The path ahead is yours to pioneer.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
* Develops, leads, and guides vendor review meetings and help to qualify vendors.
* Directs larger scope projects within area of expertise by managing discussions, timelines, and expectations of cross functional teams.
* Establishes conclusions with the trial data results and will be the key driver in making recommendations based on current project scope and what can be accomplished in the present state.
* Provides larger scope onsite trial support & direction at Raw Material Vendors within area of expertise.
* Designs DOE(design of experiment) trials and experiments to determine applicable manufacturing specifications are acceptable to our suppliers and our internal manufacturing teams.
* Provides Global Product/Material operations support as requested
* Performs an evaluation of existing patents and initiating the "right to practice" opinion process
* 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.
* 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 or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
* 4 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 4 years of experience, willing to consider Master's Degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
* 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.

* Complex Problem Solving skills. Must be able to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

* 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.