Sterling Engineering

Compensation

Full Description

Job Description: Regulatory, Environmental, IP & Quality Specialist Position Summary The Regulatory, Environmental, IP & Quality Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance across a diverse portfolio of food service products distributed in global markets. This role supports adherence to U.S. and international food-contact material regulations, manages Environmental Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, oversees export compliance for goods entering the EU, supports intellectual property activities, and contributes to quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Regulatory Affairs – Food-Contact Materials Ensure compliance with regulations governing food-contact materials, including U.S. FDA 21 CFR standards, EU Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, Plastics Regulation (EU) 10/2011, and other applicable global requirements. Develop, review, and maintain Declarations of Compliance (DoC), test reports, technical files, and safety documentation. Assess supplier documentation including migration testing, certificates of conformity, and material safety evidence. Monitor emerging global regulations such as PFAS restrictions, single-use plastics directives, and updates to certification standards. Provide regulatory guidance during product design, material selection, and supplier evaluations. EU Export Regulatory Compliance Manage requirements for exporting food-contact materials to the EU. Support market access by ensuring compliance with food-contact legislation, labeling and packaging rules, traceability, and relevant chemical regulations such as REACH and CLP. Ensure all necessary documentation meets standards for customs clearance and market entry. Environmental Compliance – EPR & EPA Manage EPR obligations for applicable regions, including data reporting, product categorization, and annual submissions. Support compliance with EPA-related directives and sustainability reporting requirements. Contribute to environmental initiatives involving waste reduction, recyclability, compostability, and sustainability claims. Intellectual Property (IP) Support Assist with the management of trademarks, design rights, and copyrights related to products and branding. Coordinate with external counsel on filings, renewals, and monitoring of potential infringements. Maintain internal IP records and ensure proper product marking. Conduct preliminary IP assessments during product development and facilitate discussions with legal partners. Quality and Cross-Functional Collaboration Work collaboratively with Product Development, Supply Chain, Operations, and Legal teams to integrate regulatory and quality requirements throughout the development and production lifecycle. Provide training on food-contact regulations, EPR obligations, sustainability claims, and export compliance. Serve as a subject-matter expert for regulatory, environmental, and quality issues. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field. 8–10 years of experience, including at least 5 years in regulatory compliance (preferably with food-contact materials or food service products). Strong working knowledge of U.S. and EU food-contact regulations, EPR frameworks, and export compliance requirements. Experience with quality systems, audits, and technical documentation. Strong communication, documentation, and reporting skills. Familiarity with certification considerations for food-contact materials. Preferred Experience with international laboratory testing (migration testing, compostability, recyclability). Understanding of sustainability frameworks and environmental labeling rules (e.g., Prop 65, EU labeling requirements). Knowledge of trademarks, patents, and design protections. Key Competencies Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and apply them to product design and supply chain processes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. High attention to detail with a proactive approach to compliance and quality. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.