Director, Thermoforming Technology

Amcor•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

Join Amcor as a Director, Thermoforming Technology where we'll lean on you to steer the strategic innovation roadmap for thermoforming technology. This is a highly visible role reporting to the Sr. Director, R&D.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required (Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science/Physics or related).
12+ years of progressive, hands-on thermoforming experience in R&D, product development, tooling, process engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
Demonstrated leadership of large, visible technical programs with sustained business impact.
Recognized expertise in the industry or academic community (e.g., publications, IP creation, conference participation).
Experience building customer relationships and translating needs into technical solutions.
Proven history of technical thought leadership and influence across global teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Direction Establish and communicate to executive leadership Amcor’s a manufacturing vision as well as strategic innovation roadmap for thermoforming, aligning technology platforms with customer needs and Amcor’s long‑term business strategy. Partner with regional R&D and business leaders to shape the multi‑year R&D agenda and manufacturing direction in order to prioritize programs that drive value, differentiation, and profitable growth. Act as a key technical voice for thermoforming across the company, contributing conceptual judgment where little precedent exists.
Technical Excellence & Innovation Lead and oversee complex thermoforming research, product development, and advanced process programs using DOE, DFSS, and structured stage‑gated methodologies. Discover, evaluate, and initiate research into next‑generation or adjacent technologies that create new value for Amcor. Provide expert problem‑solving on-site manufacturing support for technical challenges that require deep knowledge of materials, tooling, and process science. Drive CTQ requirements into process and product designs to ensure robust, scalable, customer‑ready solutions.
Intellectual Property & Competitive Insight Interpret competitive technologies, designs, and patents; recommend strategic direction to maintain Amcor’s competitive advantage. Create original IP in alignment with Amcor’s strategic objectives while safeguarding proprietary technologies. Ensure technical documentation builds long‑term knowledge capital across the global R&D community.
Cross‑Functional & Operational Integration Knowledge and capability in evaluating and recommending optimal capital investment strategy for product launches. Ability to indirectly influencing stakeholders such as Corporate Engineering, Operations, and Quality to deploy said technical solutions into manufacturing—including tooling trials, machine installations, and vendor partnerships. Lead major technical initiatives that are successfully commercialized at customers as well as improve manufacturing capability, process robustness, and operational performance. Support capital project teams and global networks to scale innovations effectively. Connect with Global thermoforming resources and bring best practices to bear for all parties.
Customer & Market Engagement Represent Amcor’s technical capabilities with customers, industry experts, and partners; help shape customer requirements and enable successful commercial outcomes. Attend and occasionally lead customer or manufacturing trials (typically up to but occasionally exceeding 50% travel, varies by program). Participate in industry committees, conferences, and technical forums to elevate Amcor’s position in the thermoforming landscape.
People Leadership & Capability Development Mentor, coach, and develop engineers and scientists to elevate functional capability and technical depth across Amcor’s global R&D teams. Model and teach product development best practices, advanced engineering methods, and innovation behaviors. Actively contribute to and potentially lead Amcor’s Global R&D Senior Scientist Council or related expert forums. Promote Amcor’s strong safety culture in all activities and ensure compliance with internal standards.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision plans
Flexible time off, starting at 80 hours paid time per year for full-time salaried employees
Company-paid holidays starting at 8 days per year and may vary by location
Wellbeing program & Employee Assistance Program
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Life insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, and voluntary benefits
Paid Parental Leave
Retirement Savings Plan with company match
Tuition Reimbursement (dependent upon approval)
Discretionary annual bonus program (initial eligibility dependent upon hire date)