Process Engineer - Protective Films & Coatings

Overview

Position Overview

The Process Engineer will oversee the coating and material manufacturing through commercialization of innovative coating solutions. The Process Engineer will ensure cost-effective, high-quality products that meet customer specifications and contribute to the company's growth. This role involves close technical collaboration with cross-functional teams, including new product development, operations, maintenance, quality assurance, engineering, and sales. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of delivering innovative products in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

As a key member of the operations team, the process engineer will drive continuous improvement on coating assets, operator engagement/development and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety:
  Ensure safety is a priority for all work in the plant. Lead risk assessments of equipment to drive safety improvements using skilled engineering practices. Actively participate in all plant safety initiatives, including but not limited to: JSAs, teams, and projects.
• Strategic Leadership:
  Oversee daily operations activities and process driven improvement projects. Collaborate with production to improve throughput and product quality. Work with maintenance on machinery enhancements as well as troubleshooting and upgrades. Lead the implementation of new products with NPD. Execute improvements with strong change management skills.
• Quality:
  Create, maintain and establish documented run conditions for all products. Ensure process databases are consistently updated for quality and traceability. Collaborate with the quality team to meet product requirements that satisfy customer expectations.
• Process:
  Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing process efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. Monitor and analyze process data, using insights to recommend and implement improvements in coating processes and technologies. Identify machine process improvements and communicate effectively with engineering and maintenance to improve. Support new product development efforts at the plant, coordinating with NPD, operations, and quality. Conduct design of experiments (DOEs), trials and documented process changes in a controlled manner.
  
  Identify process improvement opportunities and work with management on capital investments. Collaborate with the plant manager and engineering to develop Cap Ex plans, payback analyses, and achieve financial benefits upon completion. Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on innovation, customer focus, and timely results. Create and deliver training programs for production teams. Serve as a liaison between engineering, quality, and the facility, ensuring effective communication regarding projects, trials, and engineering functions.
• Operational:
  Attend and actively participate in day-to-day plant operations meetings, lead Kaizen events, and perform Gemba walks. Identify and resolve process issues promptly. Drive operational efficiencies and ensure consistent product quality across all plant assets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Chemical, Industrial or Manufacturing background.
• 10+ years of Industrial Engineering in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in process engineering. 3 or more years' experience in coating and converting.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative coating, substrate solutions.
• Strong technical knowledge of coatings, including formulation, application, and performance testing.
• Work experience in solvent coating environments required.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and align cross-functional teams.
• Strong business acumen and decision-making abilities.
• Expertise in technical sales, customer relationship management, and value-added selling.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both technical and commercial.
• Agile, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on experience preferred. Knowledge of hand tools and power tools. Position requires use of a multimeter, thermography equipment, gas detection equipment, gas chromatograph, air flow meters, etc.
• Must be able to climb ladders, lift 50 lbs., stand on feet all day, and communicate in a noisy environment.

We believe in diversity of thought and bringing together other traits and characteristics that make an individual bring a unique experience to Pregis. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where behaviors and social norms ensure people are welcome.

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation,…