Product Development Engineer - Automotive Aftermarket

Job description

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Job Description

Product Development & Formulation Serve as a formulation specialist with strong expertise in polymers, composites, resins, and coatings . Develop new solutions at lab scale and pilot scale , ensuring formulations are feasible for manufacturing integration. Translate customer insights and AOEM R&D requirements into robust product specifications . Conduct formulation optimization, stability studies, application testing, and validation.

Customer Interface & Commercialization Work closely with AOEM R&D and Customer Marketing teams to identify customer needs and define development priorities. Conduct concept testing and gather customer feedback to refine formulations. Lead technical trials with customers and secure initial approvals for new products. Support full commercialization by preparing technical documentation, process guidelines, and scale-up protocols.

Analytical Testing & Validation Perform analytical characterization (e.g., rheology, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, chemical characterization) to validate product differentiation. Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and experimental summaries. Manufacturing Support Partner with Manufacturing and Process Engineering during scale-up to ensure smooth transition into production. Troubleshoot formulation issues and provide on-floor technical guidance when required.

Cost Optimization & Continuous Improvement Proactively initiate Gross Margin Improvement (COGS) programs . Optimize existing products for improved cost, performance, and processing efficiency. Collaborate with raw material suppliers and third-party manufacturers to identify new technologies and materials. Innovation & Collaboration Drive material and formulation innovation in alignment with market needs and emerging technologies.

Work with cross-functional teams including Quality, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Application Engineering. Train Application Engineers on product features, formulation processes, and application methods. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate lab records, development logs, test data, and technical documents. Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, safety norms, and regulatory requirements.

Qualification

M.Tech in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Science or related field . Minimum 8 years of experience in formulation development, product commercialization, or materials engineering. Proven experience in commercializing material-science-based products (polymers, coatings, adhesives, resins, composites). Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, resin systems, coating technologies, and material-property relationships .

Experience working with raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers . Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills. Strong collaboration skills and customer-facing orientation with the ability to gather insights and translate them into solutions. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M. Safety is a core value at 3M.

All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

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