Introduction
Sappi is a global diversified woodfibre company focused on providing dissolving wood pulp, packaging and speciality papers, graphic papers, as well as biomaterials and biochemicals to our direct and indirect customer base across more than 150 countries. Sappi has over 12,800 employees in over 35 countries and manufacturing operations on three continents.
Organization
About the Sappi Nanocellulose Competence Center
Sappi’s patented process, developed with Edinburgh Napier University, reduces the energy required to process woodfibres into nanocellulose thus enhancing our product’s sustainability. To utilize the benefits of Nanocellulose, Sappi has built a pilot-scale plant for CNF production, at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in The Netherlands. The CNF produced by Sappi has unique morphology, and can be specifically modified for either hydrophobic or hydrophilic applications. Products produced using Sappi’s CNF will benefit from the high strength characteristics which, for example, can be translated into lighter and stronger fibre-reinforced composites and plastics in the production of next-generation lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles.
In the Nanocellulose Competence Center, a team of top-notch scientists and engineers is working vigirously to bring R&D and product development in Nanocellulose to the next level. For this team, we are looking for a Junior Product Engineer. The position is located in Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Function
Purpose of the job
Initiation and realisation of new product and technology developments on Nanocellulose and applications thereof in line with Sappi strategy, in new adjacent business or core business including packaging, directed at improving Sappi’s competitive position. Budget and project management responsibilities, as well as coordination with internal and external stakeholders are integral part of the position.
Key result areas:
Expertise:
• Up to date expertise on technological developments in Nanocellulose technology and applications of Nanocellulose
New developments
• Support to complex research and product/technology development based on Sappi’s processes or new technology developments in adjacent fields, thereby creating competitive advantages or generating new business opportunities for Sappi.
Project realisation and R&D management
• Support to execution of complex development projects, both related to core or new adjacent businesses, assuring realisation of targets, specifications, planning and budget.
• Projects handled will to a large extent focus on technical developments in field of new adjacent business and specialities.
• Ensure R&D will be centre of excellence by having up to date analytical tools available either by own development, purchasing or by external contacts.
• Execution and development of non standard highly specific laboratory investigations requiring for solving specific research questions.
Coaching
• Assist in coaching of laboratory technicians. Apply situational leadership. Contribute to the development of people both for technical and people skills.
Relations
• Maintaining effective relations in project teams, assuring adequate project execution.
• Create external network in order to execute project work in effective way. Establish contacts with institutes (for example universities) and external companies to assure access to new developments.
• Maintaining a structured communication-network between various R&D-centres of Sappi, both regional as well as on a global scale (in multi-regional projects).
• Maintaining effective relations with Manufacturing, Marketing and Purchasing.
Technological integration
• Integration of technological disciplines on product- and process technological issues. New developments outside the scope of current graphical papermaking competencies will be major focal point.
Research and analytical tools
• Development and implementation of effective and efficient tools and equipment to be used in research, development and testing.
Requirements
• Master degree in Biomaterials, Material Science, Polymer Chemistry or Paper Science;
• 0 -1 year working experience;
• Good knowledge of Nanocellulose;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Good computer skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Be a self-starter able to work in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and successful in working in a team environment;
• Project management and team leadership to successfully complete complex projects within demanding customer requirements;
• High energy and enthusiasm, with a strong commitment to exceeding company expectations.
Application
Paper Support One is an executive search agency specialized in the pulp, paper and board industry. Sappi works exclusively with Paper Support One for the position of the Junior Product Engineer. If you have any questions, please contact one of our consultants (Pim van Meeuwen – 06-53265511 or Jeroen Warnier – 06-22466810). If you want to apply, you can simply do that by clicking the apply-button.