Process Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to join our Product Development team, focused on implementing new commercial products and optimizing existing offerings. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Procurement to ensure our portfolio meets both customer expectations and internal performance standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings strong technical acumen, and has a passion for innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

New Product Development (60%)

Lead the execution of new product development initiatives in the Direct Thermal product portfolio, ensuring alignment with customer CTQs (Critical to Quality).

Plan and conduct manufacturing trials transitioning from prototype to full-scale production, including off-shift trial support as needed.

Analyze trial results to assess cost, performance, and quality metrics; iterate designs as necessary.

Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to incorporate customer feedback and drive product refinement.

Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and market trends to assess risk and opportunities that may impact future profitability.

Support operational scale-up efforts to ensure efficient, high-quality production of new products.

Cost Improvement (30%)

Evaluate and recommend alternative raw materials (e.g., chemicals, paper, film substrates) to improve performance and reduce cost.

Partner with Procurement to define incoming material specifications based on product requirements and trial outcomes.

Contribute to achieving annual cost savings goals (target: $1MM+) by qualifying new suppliers, leveraging pricing opportunities, and supporting sourcing strategies.

Advanced Technical Support (10%)

Act as a technical resource for Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot complex product or manufacturing challenges.

Design and coordinate advanced testing protocols to support continuous improvement and product stability.

Organizational Development (10%)

Commit to and execute product development goals aligned with defined project milestones.

Interface effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities and commercialize innovation.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Bachelor's degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Coatings Engineering, or related field

Minimum 2 years of experience in a coating, chemical, or related industry; exceptional entry-level candidates will be considered

Background in manufacturing, R&D, or technical support involving complex products

Demonstrated ability to manage varying workloads across multiple projects with competing deadlines

Curious, creative, adaptable, and self-motivated

Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

Skilled in trial planning, execution, and providing clear direction to technicians and operators

Decisive and confident when leading manufacturing trials or resolving technical issues

Able to lead small to mid-sized sub-projects aligned with broader business objectives

Who Is Appvion?

We are the North American leader in specialty and high-performance coatings for thermal label and film applications.

Founded in 1907, Appvion innovates sustainable specialty coating solutions that are a part of many tickets, tags, labels, and packages consumers touch daily. Our solutions leverage a unique blend of proprietary processes and technical expertise to provide crisp imaging, which ensures reliable barcode scannability and consistent image quality for pressure-sensitive and non-pressure-sensitive applications. Appvion brands include Resiste, Alpha, PolyTherm, Royale, and OPTIMA.

What We Offer You

Benefits are the game changer! We value our team members health and happiness by providing new hires benefit eligibility on the 1st of the month following date of hire. Our benefits may include:

Competitive medical, dental, life, AD&D, and vision insurance plans.

24/7 onsite fitness center, free of charge.

Generous annual time off allotment, including vacation (based on company service), parental leave, paid volunteer time, sick or emergency time, and 12 holidays.

Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year), scholarships for dependents, monthly cell phone reimbursement (professional positions), and annual steel toe and prescription safety glasses reimbursement.

401(k), Health Savings Account Plan (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (available to employees and their families), annual bonus program, referral bonus program, STD, LTD, and much more!

A post-offer background check, and drug screen are required.

Appvion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact human resources at ....