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.

Position Snapshot

Location: Orbe, Switzerland  

Company: Nestlé Product Technology Centre Coffee
Act. Rate: Full-Time Act. Rate 100%
Type of contract: Permanent contract 

Position Summary 

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.

A Day in the Life of an Associate R&D Specialist Packaging - Material Characterization

• 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

What will make you successful

• 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)

Nestlé is committed to the accessibility of its recruitment process. If you require an adaptation during the recruitment process, please do let us know so we can support you effectively. All information will be treated confidentially.

At Nestlé, we want to help shape a better and healthier world, inspire people to live healthier lives and deliver impact at a scale and pace that makes a difference. We do this by fostering a diverse, friendly, supportive, and collaborative environment, that creates positive disruption, embraces innovation, and empowers people and teams to win. We aim to hire friendly, respectful, inspiring people who care about the people’s lives that we touch every single day.

Be a force for good. Join Nestlé and visit us on www.nestle.com.