PWI R&D Writing Systems Engineer

PWI R&D Writing Systems Engineer

A Writing Systems Engineer is an experienced individual contributor responsible for owning system-level performance of industrial inkjet web presses, with a strong emphasis on hands-on engineering, on-press troubleshooting, and technical leadership.

This role leads complex problem solving across ink, printhead, media, firmware, and mechanical systems, driving print quality, reliability, and robustness through a combination of deep systems thinking and direct experimentation. The specialist serves as a key decision-maker in resolving ambiguous, cross-functional issues and ensuring successful product delivery.

• Serve as the technical owner for system-level performance, including print quality, reliability, and production robustness
• Lead hands-on troubleshooting on industrial web presses, diagnosing complex print defects (banding, mottle, nozzle behavior, edge effects, etc.)
• Design and execute on-press experiments (DOEs) to isolate root causes and quantify system sensitivities
• Drive root cause analysis across subsystems (ink formulation, printhead, firmware, mechanics, media) and implement corrective actions
• Support press bring-up, ramp, customer escalations, and field issues, often in high-pressure situations requiring rapid, data-driven decisions
• Translate real-world press behavior into actionable engineering insights and design improvements

• Define and develop system-level solutions to optimize ink/media interactions, printhead performance, and image quality
• Lead integration of subsystems (ink, printheads, media, firmware, mechanical systems) into a robust, high-performing writing system
• Establish system requirements, performance targets, and tradeoffs across quality, reliability, and cost

• Define comprehensive test strategies and validation plans for system performance (IQ, durability, reliability)
• Architect and guide execution of experiments, ensuring high-quality data and clear conclusions
• Establish and evolve system-level metrics and characterization methods

• Apply advanced data analysis and modeling to improve system performance and robustness
• Identify key sensitivities and failure modes, driving design changes across subsystems
• Balance competing requirements (print quality, throughput, cost, manufacturability)

• Act as the system-level authority across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and field teams
• Provide clear technical direction and influence design decisions across disciplines
• Mentor junior engineers and guide team problem-solving approaches
• Communicate complex technical issues, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders

• Lead system-level aspects of NPI programs, from concept through qualification and release
• Define technical milestones, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Drive closure of critical issues impacting product readiness and customer satisfaction

• Four-year or Graduate Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Materials Engineering, Physics, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience or demonstrated competence.

• Typically has 4-7 years of work experience, preferably in inkjet writing systems, or a related field or an advanced degree with 3-5 years of work experience.

• Extensive experience in hands-on engineering, system integration, and troubleshooting of complex products

• Strong expertise in fluidics, heat transfer, materials, and/or electro-mechanical systems

• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis and DOE-driven problem solving

• Experience with industrial inkjet, imaging systems, or printing technologies strongly preferred

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, JMP, etc.)

• Effective Communication

• Results Orientation

• Learning Agility

• Digital Fluency

• Customer Centricity

• Impacts multiple teams and may act as a team or project leader providing direction to team activities and facilitates information validation and team decision making process.

• Responds to moderately complex issues within established guidelines.

The pay range for this role is $ 93,400. USD annually with additional…