- Company Name
- Cooley Group
- Job Title
- Product Development Assosciate
- Job Description
-
Job Title
Product Development Associate
Role Summary
Supports the development, testing, and commercialization of coated fabric and polymer‑based products. Performs laboratory compounding, extrusion, coating, and testing, records data, and collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales to enhance product performance and cost efficiency.
Expectations
• Early‑career professional with curiosity for laboratory work and data analysis.
• Grow into a Development Specialist role with increasing technical ownership, customer interaction, and leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrate ability to plan and execute development trials, lead projects, and contribute to technology programs and intellectual property initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare trial specimens using laboratory compounding, extrusion, and coating equipment.
- Conduct extrusion and coating experiments under senior guidance.
- Perform routine tests (heat stability, color, chemical composition, FTIR) and maintain test record database.
- Coordinate specimen preparation and shipping for external laboratory testing; archive test reports.
- Set up, operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory testing and processing equipment.
- Update and create test methods, procedures, and documentation.
- Support scale‑up trials and production runs during commercialization.
- Assist Quality in testing production lots and analyze samples to identify root causes of quality issues or customer complaints.
- Provide technical assistance to Manufacturing, Materials Management, and Sales teams.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards; maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and WHMIS adherence.
- Maintain SDS records for development materials and communicate documentation changes.
- Progressively plan and execute development trials, lead defined projects, engage customer and Sales, and support process optimization and technology programs.
Required Skills
- Foundational knowledge of polymer materials, extrusion, and materials characterization.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
- Proficient in Windows and MS Office; capable of data entry, basic statistical analysis, and report preparation.
- Excellent written and verbal documentation and communication skills.
- Team‑oriented, cross‑functional collaboration experience.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, WHMIS, and general health and safety practices.
Required Education & Certifications
- Post‑secondary education in a technical field; degree or diploma in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline preferred.
- 0–2 years of early‑career experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or product development environment involving polymers, plastics, or coated/textile materials is an asset.
- Understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and WHMIS standards.