Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Converting

Senior Converting Engineer

Pregis is in the packaging business to protect what matters. We are committed to providing our customers and employees sustainable growth through purpose-driven innovation and customer-centric packaging solutions. If you are looking for a company that is thriving across various high growth industries and is innovative, customer focused, high integrity, believes in strong teamwork and collaboration, Pregis is the company for you.

Check out the Pregis Purpose to learn how sustainability and social responsibility is at the very core of our company DNA.

Reports To:

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location:

Aurora, IL

Position Summary

The Senior Converting Engineer supports the development, implementation, and optimization of converting equipment within assigned manufacturing processes focused on paper & film converting systems. This role partners with manufacturing teams, operators, technicians, OEMs, and suppliers to improve equipment performance, reliability, productivity, and product quality.

The position leads capital equipment projects, develops machine improvements, supports process optimization efforts, and works with equipment suppliers to advance converting technologies. The Senior Converting Engineer provides technical leadership through project execution, engineering expertise, and cross-functional collaboration while serving as a key resource for assigned converting equipment platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned converting equipment, specifically focused on paper and film.
• Lead capital equipment development, upgrade, and modernization projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop equipment specifications, technical requirements, scopes of work, and project plans.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communication.
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, FATs, SATs, and performance validation activities.
• Partner with OEMs and suppliers to evaluate, improve, and develop converting equipment solutions.
• Identify opportunities for proprietary machine enhancements and equipment modifications.
• Design and implement equipment upgrades that improve safety, reliability, productivity and quality.
• Lead development of new consumable types through converting assets.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts for technical and operational challenges.
• Partner with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and implement equipment improvements.
• Work with operators and process technicians to evaluate process settings, consumables, and equipment capabilities.
• Support plant-led process optimization efforts through testing, analysis, and engineering recommendations.
• Develop engineering concepts, layouts, specifications, and documentation for machine modifications and equipment improvements.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to support successful project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in capital equipment engineering. Experience with web handling highly preferred.
• Experience leading capital equipment development, equipment upgrades, and technology implementation projects.
• Strong mechanical design and machine development experience.
• Proven experience working with OEMs, equipment suppliers, and external technical partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence technical decisions without direct authority.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience troubleshooting equipment, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Experience with machine connectivity, Industrial IoT, real-time equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, or manufacturing data analytics – preferred.
• Travel – 25%.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of converting equipment, manufacturing processes, and capital equipment systems.
• Strong mechanical design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management…