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.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $22 - $46 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

---