At Niagara, we're looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.
Consider applying here, if you want to :
- Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.
- Develop lasting relationships with great people.
- Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.
Staff Research Scientist - Packaging
The Staff Scientist of Innovation will lead cross-disciplinary Innovation initiatives that advance Niagara's products and packaging systems through design science, digital simulation, and consumer-centered innovation. This role will focus on understanding and optimizing product-process-performance relationships at the system level - across bottles, closures, packaging configurations, and manufacturing conditions - to drive sustainability, performance, and user experience improvements. The Staff Scientist will advance product portfolio by translating scientific insights into holistic product solutions that can be scaled through Niagara's global manufacturing network.
Essential Functions
Formulates strategy for Innovation growth. Drive system-level lightweighting and structural optimization that balance performance, sustainability, and manufacturability.Explore and develop emerging technologies and trends to integrate with Innovation initiatives.Lead R&D projects focused on the interaction of design, structure, and performance across packaging systems.Advance the use of AI, machine learning, or DOE-based analytics in R&D decision-making.Conduct human factors research to quantify usability, ergonomics, and consumer interaction with packaging systems.Partner with design, insights, and marketing teams to translate consumer needs into products, engineering and performance requirements.Quantify environmental trade-offs and support company-wide carbon reduction initiatives through design improvementsEnsures project documentation and communication between all stakeholders.Initiates, develops, and maintains relationships with suppliers and other external collaborators.Present and communicate research results internally and externally and help develop intellectual property.Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications :6 Years - Experience in Polymer or polymer composites mechanics, testing and processing field6 Years - Experience in Position, Research laboratory assistant, post -doctoral scholar
4 Years - Experience working with graduate researchers, interns or lab assistantsexperience may include a combination of work experience and educationPreferred Qualifications :10+ Years- Experience in Polymer or polymer composites mechanics, testing and processing field
10+ Years - Experience in Position, Research laboratory assistant, post -doctoral scholar6 Years - Experience working with graduate researchers, interns or lab assistantsexperience may include a combination of work experience and educationCompetencies
Proficiency in, but not limited to :
Advanced data analysis and simulation capabilitiesPublication quality communication skills (documents and presentations)Proven experience with analytical laboratory equipment such as a Material Strength Testers, Rheometers, DSC, IV testers, FTIR, XRD, etc .Skills with lab data management or automation software such as LabVIEW, Matlab, Python.Microsoft Office Products.Problem Solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.Detail oriented and accurate - minimizes mistakes, follows every step in a process and follows through with all tasksOral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates presentation skills.Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.Beneficial, but not required :
Injection molding or blow molding experience.Lifting Requirements :
40 lbs. For example, must be physically capable to change injection molds and resin in lab or production equipment.Physical Demands :
Travel up to 15%.Some work in hot, cold, or confined production environments.Must be able to operate tools used when changing molds and operating R&D equipment.This position embodies the values of Niagara's LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success :
Lead Like an OwnerMakes safety the number one priority
Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediatelyEffectively prioritizes tasks based on department goalsShows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directlyPrioritizes resolution of customer issues effectivelyResponds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customersInnovACTMakes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and / or products
Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstancesIncreases performance through greater efficiencyFind a WaySeeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actionsSeeks solutions rather than placing blameEmpowered to be GreatConsistently looks for ways to improve one's self through growth and development opportunities
Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and acrossCommunicates effectively to manage expectationsEducation
Minimum Required :Ph.D in Chemical / Materials / Mechanical engineering and other related fields or equivalent experience.
Preferred :Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience. Materials Science and Engineering exposure. Polymer processing or science and Packaging training.
Foreign Language
Required : None RequiredPreferred : Minimum Professional Proficiency, SpanishTypical Compensation Range
Pay Rate Type : Salary
$123,641.54 - $176,189.21 / Yearly
Bonus Target : 10% Annual
Benefits
https : / / careers.niagarawater.com / us / en / benefits
Los Angeles County applicants onlyQualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a resume into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of Niagara Bottling, LLC. Niagara Bottling, LLC will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.
Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit resume to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit resume into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Niagara Plant Name
CORP-MAIN