Development Engineer
Horizontal Talent

We're seeking a Development Engineer to support product development, quality improvement, supplier transitions, cost savings, and innovation initiatives across paper product categories. This role offers the opportunity to work cross-functionally in a fast-moving, matrixed environment, helping teams make timely, informed decisions that balance product performance, cost, quality, and supply risk.
Responsibilities

• Lead and support product development and improvement efforts across paper-related categories.
• Review technical information, assess product and supplier risks, and recommend practical solutions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal subject matter experts to resolve product, manufacturing, and quality issues.
• Drive cross-functional projects involving product development, sourcing, merchandising, quality, packaging, supply chain, finance, and supplier partners.
• Clarify priorities, owners, timelines, risks, and next steps to keep work moving forward.
• Manage multiple workstreams while identifying what is urgent, important, and ready for decision.
• Escalate issues early when quality, cost, timing, or supply may be affected.
• Support business decisions by considering consumer needs, supplier capability, margin, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Skills

• Experience in paper products, tissue, towels, nonwovens, absorbent products, packaging, converting, or a related manufacturing field.
• Strong project management and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical information and translate it into clear business recommendations.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Sound judgment and the ability to prioritize in an ambiguous environment.
• Clear, concise communication and a collaborative working style.
• Ability to learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and build alignment across teams.

Preferred Skills

• Direct experience with paper manufacturing.
• Background in adjacent materials or manufacturing areas that can transfer to the role.
• Exposure to product performance testing, specifications, or converting processes.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how product decisions affect the broader business.
• Comfort navigating large, matrixed organizations.

Horizontal is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and supported. We welcome candidates with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, and we encourage applicants who are excited to contribute in a collaborative, respectful environment.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

---