Process Engineer; PRIME Division

Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Process Engineer to join our growing team in Gaffney, SC. This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and optimizing CO₂ laser ablation processes on drinkware, while also supporting and improving digital printing (including 4CP and Direct to Film), pad printing, silk screen, and embroidery operations for a wide range of promotional products including bags, drinkware, stress relievers, towels, and blankets.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, hands-on experience with laser and digital/DTF printing systems, and a continuous improvement mindset to support high-quality and efficient decoration processes across multiple product lines.

• Lead and optimize the CO₂ laser ablation process for drinkware decoration, ensuring consistent quality and productivity.
• Support and improve digital printing processes on drinkware and other substrates, including Direct to Film (DTF) printing.
• Troubleshoot issues related to print quality, adhesion, color matching, and equipment performance in digital and DTF processes.
• Evaluate and integrate new digital printing technologies to expand capabilities and improve efficiency.
• Support and improve pad printing, silk screen printing, and embroidery operations for various promotional items.
• Develop and implement process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Train operators on digital and conventional printing processes and best practices.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure manufacturability and adherence to specifications.
• Maintain and improve safety standards and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze process data to develop KPIs to drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with CO₂ laser systems in a production or R&D environment.
• Strong understanding of laser-material interactions, especially with drinkware substrates.
• Experience with decorative processes such as pad printing, silk screening, and embroidery.

• Experience in the promotional products or decorated apparel industry.
• Experience in production floor layout and equipment integration.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM and RIP software related to digital printing.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification or experience.

Monday-Friday, full-time, exempt. Hybrid - Gaffney, SC.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to talk or listen.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and is committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.

S&S participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.