PWI R&D Writing Systems Engineer

HP•Corvallis, OR

2d•$93,400 - $135,400

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Hands-on system ownership & advanced troubleshooting
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
System design & integration leadership
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
Testing strategy & validation
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
Performance optimization & technical depth
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)
Cross-functional technical leadership
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
Program execution & ownership
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