Technical material Division – Protective Material BU – Apprieu R&D center - Apprieu - Ahlstrom Specialties S.A.S.

The BU Protective Materials develops, produces and sells some specialty fiber-based materials supporting a wide variety of industrial applications: Functionalized papers for sustainable packaging solutions (heat sealable, water resistance, stretch, etc.), Dye sublimation papers for digital transfer printing, Flame-retardant papers, Thermal insulated paper, Saturating base papers and Pre-impregnated papers for the Building and Construction segment, Electrotechnical paper for High Voltage applications, Glass interleave paper for Automotive or Display Glass, Metal interleave paper for Steel and Aluminum manufacturing, Medical base papers for Drapes and Garment.

The plants are in Billingsfors and Jönköping (Sweden), in Mosinee and Thilmany (US) and in Taicang (China). Three of them produce their own unbleached natural Kraft pulp.

The BU Protective Materials has been actively working on repositioning its portfolio and mix by entering new high-growth and margin segments and becoming a global supplier in highly technical and attractive markets.

As a Product Development Technician, you will contribute to the development of the new and improved products of BU Protective Materials. You will be under the direction of a R&D Engineer and will perform work tasks with priority and to appropriate standards and timelines as assigned.

Main responsibilities

• Organize, plan and execute the technical laboratory studies/work task defined with the manager.
• Comply with all safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Ensure the reliability and traceability of the results.
• Compile and analyze data from test results.
• Write short technical reports in French and in English.
• Participate in keeping laboratory environment and equipment clean and operational.

Skills

• Able to read, to write and to speak in English – ideally B2 level
• Able to search for information (literature, standards, network, etc.)
• Compute formulas or percentages using chemical and basic mathematical procedures
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• Intermediate level with Excel, Power Point, Word, Teams, Outlook

Competencies

• Curious and proactive
• Scientific rigor and a willingness to acquire new skills and learn on a daily basis
• Have a critical mind on results, data, information
• Autonomy in work organization and versatility
• Collaborative and true team player in different languages and cultures
• Mindful of own’s and other’s safety, well-being and environment

Education/Work experience

• Second-year university level or equivalent (e.g. paper making, chemistry, formulation, material)
• A first successful experience in a similar position would be a plus.
• Beginner accepted with strong ability and willingness to learn.

Knowledge

• Papermaking science and/or Biomaterials, materials and/or Chemistry, Formulation, Rheology, Coating technologies

Others

• Occasional presence in our second R&D center located in Pont-Evêque may be required.
• Travel internationally and domestically as needed (10%)

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Join our journey to create a more sustainable world with products and solutions that Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions.
We are deeply committed to building and maintaining safe and inclusive environment and culture, where everyone feels valued and respected. At Ahlstrom, we all have equal opportunities to belong and reach our full potential. 
Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com