Role and responsibilities

As an Associate R&D Specialist Packaging - Material Characterization you will be responsible for supporting Packaging Project Managers in the area of coffee systems, in characterizing materials—mechanical, thermal, and gas‑barrier properties—to define interactions between capsules, pods, and coffee machines. You will develop and adapt advanced tools with a strong focus on digitalization to accelerate development processes. In this role, you will build expertise in paper‑based materials, aluminium, and plastics. Leverage material characterization methods to define packaging properties and specifications for capsules and pods. Propose innovative material, design, and characterization concepts with the NPTC methods team. Build, document, and share material knowledge across packaging teams. Support digital transformation of characterization processes to accelerate development. Define Design of Experiments to meet project deliverables. Support Project Managers and deliver results aligned with project timelines. Present methods and results clearly to stakeholders and visitors. Support internal and external networks to secure IP, transfer knowledge, and apply SHE rules.

Team / description

The Nestlé Product Technology Centre Coffee (NPTC Coffee) is the leading R&D organization that discovers, develops and deploys coffee and beverage products and technologies for in-home and out-of-home consumption. It consists of units in Konolfingen (CH), Marysville (USA), Orbe (CH) and Singapore and provides new products and processes to all Nestlé markets worldwide. Our mission – to delight the consumer wherever, whenever, however by delivering moments of genuine pleasure and indulgence - drives the need for us to attract, select and develop the right people for the right jobs throughout the value chain of our business.

Qualifications and Skills

Master’s degree in Material Science or Mechanical Engineering
Proven experience working in an R&D environment
Proficiency in 3D CAD and Finite Element Analysis tools
Strong understanding of mechanical and thermal material properties
Digitally savvy, including mastery of AI tools and ability to program in Python
Strong innovation mindset
Excellent problem‑solving and solution‑oriented approach
Good command of English (spoken and written)