Join our operations team where you will be influential in shaping our business strategy and ensuring we have the most effective operations. Be your own boss by creating your own career path and pushing your professional limits.

Position Title:

R&D Application Development Specialist

FLSA Classification:

Exempt - Salaried

Job Code:

Employee Class:

Salaried

Department:

Deckorators

Reports to:

Application Development Lead

General Summary

The R&D Application Development Specialist is responsible for development of new products meeting customer performance requirements. The incumbent will drive product development projects through conception to implementation.

Works under general direction of the Application Development Leader; exercises discretion and judgment on work priority on a regular basis; and high degree of creativity is expected.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Functions as a member of the R&D application development discipline and works to execute the team's strategic objectives.
• Researches and develops new technologies to develop products with competitive advantage.
• Works with the Application Development Leader to develop, oversee, and complete projects.
• Develops and executes experiments at the appropriate scale, including laboratory scale, production scale, and field testing.
• Collects, interprets, and reports data appropriately.
• Identifies and qualifies technical approaches to deliver products meeting customer requirements. Generates prototypes, work with the broader organization on scaling to production scale.
• Seeks the best products for customers; ensures development of the right specifications and meeting cost targets.
• Troubleshoots gaps in product performance and helps develop future solutions to these problems.
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of competitive building product offerings; identifies opportunities for new product offerings.
• Develops understanding of product testing methods and product end use requirements.
• Prepares various reports as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Specifications

Knowledge

• Minimum Bachelor degree in engineering or comparable technical field.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in product development, experience in plastics highly preferred.
• Experience in product testing techniques.
• Knowledge of building products and practices preferred.
• Strong technical orientation, able to use and build on their technical education, training, and experience to perform well in an R&D work environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Preferred experience and knowledge on UFP's organization, culture, and product lines.

Skills and abilities

• Proficiency in the use of the English language in reading, writing and speaking. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully interact with all organizational levels and the public.
• Demonstrated proficiency to manage multiple tasks, pay attention to details, to set priorities, and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction, and ability to provide written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to be mobile in the work environment.
• Ability to apply business math to manufacturing processes.
• Ability to use a computer, and proficiency of the use of MS Office and other business and engineering software
• Demonstrated skill in improving processes and develop efficiencies in manufacturing processes

Conduct

• Self-managing; works well under little supervision
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic
• Good interpersonal skills and good communicator
• Process oriented
• Strong organization skills and detail oriented
• Able to handle fast-paced work environment
• Be a team player and support the Company's goals
• Conducts in a professional manner
• Ability to pass a drug test

Working Conditions

Working environment is favorable. Requires standing and walking for 75% of the time, talking, hearing and seeing are essential duties; sitting at a desk for long periods of time are also required. Travel may be required.

Disclaimer Statement

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

"UFP Industries and its subsidiaries and affiliates are equal opportunity employers. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin"