Process Development Engineer

DS Smith; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Process Development Engineer to push boundaries in process chemistry across our mill network. You will optimise process chemistry at scale, run audits, map processes, and translate data into on-site improvements.

You will collaborate with Procurement and R&D, build process models, and deliver hands-on coaching to mill teams, shaping the direction for process chemistry within Group R&D.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on know-how in charge balance, drainage & retention, zeta potential, fibre/water measurements.

Responsibilities

• Optimise process chemistry at scale — lead audits, process mapping, data analysis, and trials (lab and mill) to enhance charge balance, drainage/retention, zeta potential control, and water system performance.
• Model to improve — build or adapt process models, interpret results, and translate insights into on-site changes and measured benefits.
• Run the Process Chemistry Working Group — schedule and facilitate sessions, document actions, track benefits, and share best practices across mills.
• Partner with suppliers — benchmark chemistries, evaluate samples, define test methods, and co-develop world-class applications with Procurement and R&D colleagues.
• Enable capability — deliver training and hands-on coaching for mill teams on process understanding, modelling, and best available practices.
• Drive change — help shape the strategy for process chemistry within Group R&D alongside the Materials Performance Lead.

Skills

Data analysis

Process modeling

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Location

Europe (regular travel across our Paper Mills, ~40%)

About the role

Make a Real-World Impact At DS Smith, we’re redefining what’s possible in paper and packaging by designing for circularity, accelerating innovation, and partnering with customers to eliminate waste and reduce carbon across value chains. As a Process Development Engineer, you’ll help us push boundaries in process chemistry, enabling smarter, cleaner, and more efficient papermaking across our mill network.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimise process chemistry at scale — lead audits, process mapping, data analysis, and trials (lab and mill) to enhance charge balance, drainage/retention, zeta potential control, and water system performance.
• Model to improve — build or adapt process models, interpret results, and translate insights into on‑site changes and measured benefits.
• Run the Process Chemistry Working Group — schedule and facilitate sessions, document actions, track benefits, and share best practices across mills.
• Partner with suppliers — benchmark chemistries, evaluate samples, define test methods, and co‑develop world‑class applications with Procurement and R&D colleagues.
• Enable capability — deliver training and hands‑on coaching for mill teams on process understanding, modeling, and best available practices.
• Drive change — help shape the strategy for process chemistry within Group R&D alongside the Materials Performance Lead.

About You

• Education: Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: Previous experience in technical applications within the paper industry or a paper chemicals supplier; experience in a paper mill production environment.
• Technical depth: Hands‑on know‑how in charge balance, drainage & retention, zeta potential, fibre/water measurements, and lab‑to‑mill method transfer.
• Ways of working: Data‑driven problem solving, structured experimentation, clear communication, strong stakeholder management, and a practical “get it done” mindset.

Diversity and Inclusion

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

Company Overview

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world‑leading organisation and do your best work with us!