PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Job Summary: The Product Development Associate is responsible for executing assigned product development and product improvement activities, with a primary focus on alternate raw material qualification, production validation, cost reduction, supply continuity, and process improvement. The role directly observes and monitors laboratory, pilot, and production trials to confirm that approved trial plans and process conditions are followed. Working under the guidance of Product Development Engineers and the Product Development Manager, the Associate prepares for and oversees assigned development and qualification activities, monitors trial execution, records process conditions and observations, coordinates testing and sample collection, evaluates results against established acceptance criteria, and documents conclusions and follow-up actions. The Associate serves as the Product Development representative during assigned trials and is expected to identify deviations, communicate concerns in real time, and escalate technical or operational issues for engineering review. Key Responsibilities: Execute assigned product development, product improvement, alternate raw material qualification, cost-reduction, and process-validation activities using approved specifications, test methods, trial plans, and change-control requirements. Prepare materials, laboratory testing, production schedules, technical documentation, and cross-functional support required for assigned development, improvement, and qualification projects. Lead the day-to-day execution of assigned production validation trials in coordination with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other applicable functions. Confirm trial readiness by verifying materials, production schedules, equipment availability, sampling plans, test requirements, acceptance criteria, and required approvals before trial startup. Serve as the Product Development representative during assigned laboratory, pilot, and production trials associated with new products, product improvements, process improvements, raw material changes, and cost-reduction initiatives; directly observe and monitor trial execution, process conditions, material usage, sampling, and adherence to the approved trial plan. Monitor key process parameters and product observations during qualification trials; document conditions and deviations, communicate concerns in real time, and escalate technical or operational issues that may affect trial validity or product performance. Collect representative samples and, in collaboration with the Testing Team, perform routine physical and performance testing in accordance with ASTM standards, PSTC methods, internal procedures, product specifications, and customer requirements. Compile, organize, and summarize qualification and validation data; compare results with specifications and acceptance criteria, identify exceptions or trends, and escalate technical concerns for engineering review. Prepare trial reports, qualification summaries, protocols, specifications, change-control documentation, and supporting records under the direction of Product Development Engineers or management. Maintain accurate and traceable project, laboratory, raw material, test, and trial documentation in applicable company systems and shared records. Monitor follow-up production runs and coordinate additional testing to confirm successful implementation and sustained performance of approved product, process, or raw material changes. Support Product Development Engineers with product and process troubleshooting and development activities through structured testing, data collection, sample evaluation, trial monitoring, documentation, and support of root-cause investigations. Communicate qualification status, trial observations, process deviations, results, risks, open items, and required follow-up actions to Product Development and cross-functional stakeholders. Identify and support opportunities to impro…

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