Research & Development Manager jobs in United States
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Graphic Packaging International · 2 weeks ago

Research & Development Manager

Graphic Packaging International is one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for recognized brands. The R&D Manager is responsible for managing analytic labs, supporting technical services, and leading product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.

Consumer GoodsCustomer ServiceManufacturingPackaging Services
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Manages coating development projects, which are primarily involved in reducing the cost of coatings. This involves composing detailed plans, timelines and budgets to address project scope and goals. Coordinates work within the R&D team to manage the pilot coater and drawdown studies to accomplish these goals
Supports new product development (NPD) initiatives for the mill division and AMC as needed
Works with Corp Procurement and Mills on coating projects related to qualifying Suppliers
Leads coating, calendaring, and wet-end trials at mills
Develop cost models for new paperboard machinery and processes, including capital estimation and requirements
Assist in the development of existing and new GPI packaging concepts, focusing on manufacturability
Provide engineering expertise to support R&D activities aligning with new business objectives
Offer technical insight into proposed capital equipment installations
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining focus on customer commitments and timelines
Prepare and present detailed reports and presentations on project progress to senior staff and customers
Engage with customers during concept, design, and process development phases for new packaging initiatives
Establish and maintain key relationships with suppliers
Lead investigations utilizing both internal and external analytical resources
Provide expertise in board and converting to offer recommendations based on sample analytics
Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot board, coating, converting, and printing technical issues
Conduct competitive analysis including board comparisons, business models, competitor capabilities, and future capacity
Conduct analytical analysis of samples using FTIR, GCMS, Optical Microscope, and all Tappi-based test equipment

Qualification

Coating technologyPaperPaperboard propertiesAnalytical analysisProject managementMicrosoft Office SuiteCustomer engagementVerbal communicationPresentation skills

Required

Expertise in paper and paperboard physical properties and coating technology
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and safely operate in a manufacturing environment, including handling industrial chemicals and machinery
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, teams, and executive leadership
Willingness to travel (1-2 trips per month)
Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 10 years in a paper or paperboard-related industrial/manufacturing role

Company

Graphic Packaging International

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Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, designs and produces consumer packaging, made primarily from renewable or recycled materials.

H1B Sponsorship

Graphic Packaging International has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (13)
2023 (13)
2022 (3)
2021 (5)
2020 (4)

Funding

Current Stage
Public Company
Total Funding
$1.29B
2024-05-06Post Ipo Debt· $500M
2021-03-01Post Ipo Debt· $794M
1992-12-18IPO

Leadership Team

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Michelle M. Fitzpatrick
VP & Chief Sustainability Officer
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Laurie Brlas
Director
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Company data provided by crunchbase