About NFW

NFW is a circularity platform for plastic-free performance materials. NFW follows three Ground Rules in everything we develop: start well, stay clean, end well. While nearly everything in the built world relies on some type of plastic that began as crude oil and that will become plastic pollution, we are establishing a new material reality. We believe all materials should begin and end as nutrients, ready for the next growth cycle—true circularity.

Our multi-material platform serves a wide range of industries—from fashion and footwear to automotive and upholstery. NFW technology embeds seamlessly into existing supply chains, enabling the world’s most iconic brands to design and scale products with high-performance, plastic-free materials. NFW makes global brands more sustainable, empowering them to create without plastics. Alongside the boldest brands and visionary designers, we are pioneering a naturally circular, post-oil economy.

NFW is a company of trailblazers, innovators and bold thinkers, committed to reinventing the way things are made. We never stop learning. We are fiercely curious about the world and how to improve it for everyone. We offer competitive salary, paid vacation and sick time, flexible work-life balance, great colleagues and more!

Applications Testing Engineer

We are seeking a results driven candidate who is a self-starter and a creative problem solver, with the ability to work closely with product development, business teams and NFW customers and help bring new products to the market across a wide set of markets and applications. This role will be key to develop our testing expertise across different applications and support the fast growth of our MIRUM™ (plant-based leather alternative) product line. The salary range for this position is 85-100K. This role is onsite and located in Peoria, IL.

Responsibilities

• Lead and be a key player in new product development and launch activities and support the extension of the MIRUM product line in close collaboration with strategic customers.
• Design/develop and execute laboratory validation tests for NFW’s MIRUM product line
• Help develop NFW proprietary as well as adapt industry standard (ASTM, ISO, DIN, AATCC) tests to validate performance across a wide set of potential applications such as accessories, footwear, automotive, etc.
• Establish and document standard test procedures along with expected values and tolerances for production materials.
• Work with the product development team, the QC lab, the procurement team, and selected customers to identify appropriate tests for incoming materials, in-process products, and finished products.
• Specify, get quotes for, and be involved in purchase of new test equipment.
• Train/supervise interns and technicians as needed.
• Execute standard lab tests: document results and provide conclusions & recommendations
• Other duties as assigned

• Required, bachelor’s degree (chemistry, engineering, material science), preferred Master’s or PhD degree.
• Preferred, previous product development / commercialization, application testing or quality lab experience and technical document creation experience
• Preferred experience in one of more of the following applications: leather and leather alternatives, coatings, footwear, upholstery, automotive, accessories.
• Outstanding communicator and presentation skills, excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
• A start-up mentality as well as the ability to wear multiple hats
• Fluency in office productivity tools and project management
• Attention to detail
• Works well with others
• Statistical experiment planning and data analysis experience is a plus

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent talking, hearing, and seeing
• Frequent using of hands to grasp, handle, or feel
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and reaching
• Occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds

Work Environment

• Operates in a lab and office environment with moderate noise level
• Well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
• Occasionally may be required to use personal protective equipment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Company is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team in which members of all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. In compliance with state and federal law, the Company does not discriminate in employment or administration of its programs and policies on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. Our policy reflects and affirms the Company’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all unlawful discriminatory practices.

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