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Join our dynamic team as a Junior Materials Research & Design Specialist Innovation Specialist and play a key role in shaping the future of product development through cutting-edge material and fabric solutions. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, research new technologies, and drive innovation in sourcing, testing, and applying advanced materials. If you're passionate about materials-led design and ready to influence the next generation of products, we want to hear from you. Some of your key responsibilities

• Research new and technical materials for development projects
• Help advise the product development team on material choice.
• Research and discover new suppliers, manufacturers and processes.
• Manage materials-based projects, launching new products and designs.
• To conduct own testing and assist with onsite product and material testing
• Conduct research with external testing houses
• Present research and findings to managers
• Comparing material spec on Granta software.
• Maintain and develop our fabric and material library.
• Be passionate about material lead design.
• Assist the materials team with communications with supplier and sample orders.
• Attend shows and events., Pineapple still runs by its original ethos of creating mindfully designed furniture that not only works effortlessly and looks great but also helps foster a calm and supportive environment. Join Pineapple and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through quality, innovation, sustainability and exceptional customer care.
  
  A bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant field, such as Product Design and Manufacturing, Material Futures, Textile, Innovation, Colour and Materials Design, Circular Design and Engineering, Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing Design Engineering, Interior Design.
• Excellent IT skills with competent use of Microsoft Office (mainly Outlook and Excel).
• Strong Excel and research presentation skills.
• Knowledge of furniture, interior design, furnishings etc would be desirable.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes
• Some knowledge and experience of CAD and/or 3D printing, desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing across the furniture industry and the drive to execute several projects.
• Self-motivated, conscientious, and hard-working.
• Confident, pro-active, approachable, and happy to "turn your hand" to anything required.
• Happy to work to tight deadlines.
• Be a creative and innovative thinker.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• You embody our company people values:
• Teamwork - Collaborate effectively with humility, appreciating and integrating individual skills and perspectives to achieve collective goals.
• Committed - Dedicate yourself fully to your role, going above and beyond with self-motivation and loyalty to achieve individual, team, and company goals.
• Ownership - Take full responsibility for your work, performance, and conduct, acting with integrity, staying organised, and learning from feedback and mistakes.
• Positive - Approach tasks with optimism and innovation, viewing challenges as opportunities, and bringing energy and enthusiasm to inspire and motivate others.
• Responsive - React quickly and effectively to needs and feedback, prioritising tasks with urgency, embracing change, and maintaining a proactive approach.
  
  Pineapple is a leader in designing and manufacturing innovative furniture solutions for challenging environments. A family run company started in 1975, Pineapple is now a global business with headquarters in Kent (UK) and offices in France, Germany and the USA.
  
  What we offer you
• We were proudly featured in The Sunday Times as one of the Best Places to Work 2024
• Competitive pay
• Pension scheme
• A Healthcare Cash Plan - You can claim for medical expenses, dentist or optical services, as well as access to 100s of deals and discounts
• 23 days annual leave + UK bank holidays
• An extra day's leave for your birthday
• Workplace nursery scheme
• All new starters, we'll plant a tree in your honour. We currently have trees planted in the UK, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Madagascar
• Sustainability focused business
• Regular team socials and events, including summer and Christmas parties
• Monthly pizza Friday
• Fruit and snacks are provided daily
• Employee referrals bonus scheme
• Company volunteering day, 2024, we were at Port Lympne Safari Park picking leaves ready to be frozen for the animals through the winter
• High-quality office environment
• Free onsite parking / within walking distance from the train station