Corporate Project Engineer - Protective Packaging/Process Engineer

IPG•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Provide corporate process-engineering leadership across manufacturing operations, with an emphasis on paper-based packaging and high-speed paper converting processes. Apply practical expertise in process development, optimization, troubleshooting, equipment capability, materials, quality, and continuous improvement. Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Product Development, OEMs, and suppliers to improve existing processes and industrialize new products and technologies. Analyze complex manufacturing problems, establish process controls and operating windows, transfer best practices across manufacturing locations, and support capital equipment projects, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and process qualification. Project management is a supporting responsibility rather than the primary purpose of the position. The role involves significant travel, typically 1–3 weeks per month based on business needs, to support manufacturing locations, process-improvement initiatives, equipment suppliers, commissioning, and other plant-level activities.

Requirements

B.S. in Paper Science, Paper Engineering, Chemical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum five years of process-engineering experience in manufacturing, with significant experience in paper, paper converting, corrugated, packaging, envelopes/mailers, or high-speed web-based manufacturing.
Demonstrated expertise in process development, optimization, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, DOE, process capability, and continuous improvement.
Strong understanding of paper properties and converting performance, including moisture, basis weight, caliper, strength, dimensional stability, curl, friction, and adhesive interaction.
Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and SPC.
Ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Direct paper or paper-converting manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
Experience with high-speed web handling, converting equipment, adhesives, and automated/PLC-controlled manufacturing systems is preferred.
Experience developing process specifications and supporting equipment commissioning, FAT/SAT, process qualification, and production ramp-up.

Responsibilities

Provide corporate process-engineering leadership for paper-based manufacturing, including paper converting, web handling, adhesive application, forming, cutting, sealing, and folding.
Develop, optimize, and standardize manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, throughput, OEE, reliability, yield, waste, and cost.
Apply expertise in paper properties and converting behavior, including basis weight, moisture, caliper, strength, dimensional stability, curl, friction, and adhesive interaction.
Troubleshoot complex manufacturing problems using structured root-cause analysis, data analysis, experimentation, DOE, and process-capability methods; implement sustainable corrective actions.
Establish critical process parameters, operating windows, specifications, controls, and standard operating conditions for existing and new manufacturing processes.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Commercial, and Engineering to industrialize new products and manufacturing technologies.
Evaluate manufacturing equipment and processes to improve speed, reliability, OEE, yield, quality, automation, and process simplification.
Develop and transfer process standards and best practices across manufacturing locations.
Work with paper mills, adhesive suppliers, OEMs, and technical suppliers to evaluate materials, equipment, process capability, and emerging technologies.
Provide process-engineering support for capital projects, including equipment specifications, design reviews, FAT/SAT, commissioning, process qualification, acceptance criteria, and production ramp-up.
Develop process documentation and train plant engineering, operations, maintenance, and technical personnel in process fundamentals, troubleshooting, and standardized manufacturing practices.
Maintain knowledge of advancements in paper manufacturing, converting, adhesives, web handling, automation, controls, sustainability, and e-commerce packaging technologies.