R&D Project Engineer

Role details

Company Overview Radici Plastics USA, LLC is the North American division of the High Performance Polymers business unit of RadiciGroup; One of the world’s leading producers of a wide range of chemical intermediates, polyamide polymers, engineering plastics, synthetic fibers, with approximately 3,000 employees, and a network of production and sales sites located throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

Job Summary

We're looking for an R&D Project Engineer to join our Research & Development team and help bring new products from concept to commercialization. In this role, you'll collaborate with global R&D teams, automotive and industrial customers, suppliers, and cross-functional departments to develop cutting-edge polymer solutions that support business growth and customer success.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals, lead challenging technical projects, and help shape the future of our product portfolio in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment

The Job

The R&D Project Engineer leads new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization by collaborating with local and global R&D teams, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional departments. This role evaluates new materials and technologies, supports material approvals for all markets, analyzes technical and manufacturing data, and ensures compliance with industry standards. The position also develops technical and regulation documentation, manages multiple engineering projects, monitors emerging industry trends, and provides technical expertise to support innovation, product development, and business growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading end-to-end product development projects from concept, prototyping, validation, to full-scale production launch
• Coordinating with Sales/Marketing, global R&D and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines
• Evaluating and qualifying new raw materials, additives, and technologies for automotive and industrial applications
• Review automotive material specifications and testing requirements, including OEM, ASTM, ISO, UL, and other applicable industry standards
• Supporting customer approval processes, including material submissions, qualifications, technical audits, and communications with OEMs and external laboratories
• Conducting root cause analysis and troubleshooting for product or process-related issues
• Analyzing laboratory, pilot, and production data to optimize formulations and improve product performance
• Ensuring compliance with automotive standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems
• Preparing and maintaining regulation and technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and material declarations
• Managing multiple concurrent engineering projects while meeting deadlines and cost targets
• Tracking industry trends, competitor developments, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities
• Providing technical support and expertise to Sales/Marketing, Production and customers throughout product development, commercialization, and problem resolution.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, efficiency, and sustainability

Our Needs

We're seeking an individual with a passion for innovation, materials development, and solving technical challenges. This opportunity is ideal for:

• A recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field who is eager to launch a career in research and development.
• Someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment, managing technical projects, and developing new products from concept through commercialization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of polymer materials, plastics compounding, or extrusion processes.
• Experience supporting automotive or industrial applications, material approvals, or product development projects.
• Familiarity with automotive specifications and industry standards such as OEM, ASTM, ISO, or UL.
• Exposure to project management in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• An early-career engineer with 2–5 years of experience in product development, materials engineering, plastics compounding, polymer processing, or a similar technical role.

If you enjoy managing technical projects, working with advanced materials, and contributing to new product development in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• what is your desired salary?

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Polymer, plastics, or product development: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Wadsworth, OH 44281 (Required)

Work Location: In person