About NFW NFW is a material science innovation company giving industries plastic-free material platforms to create responsibly. NFW invents and manufactures shockingly sustainable products from nature. Beginning with naturally circular ingredients, NFW is making a material-rich, plastic-free future possible. NFW was founded in 2015 and is based in Peoria, Illinois. 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! Application 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™ product line. 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 (plant based leather alternative). 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 standard 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. Develop new standard lab tests: design/procure equipment and create procedures. Spec out, get quotes for, and be involved in purchasing 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 Primarily 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. PI227010300