Corporate Project Engineer - Protective Packaging/Process Engineer

IPG; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Extensive benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

IPG is seeking a senior process engineer to lead paper-based manufacturing initiatives across multiple facilities in the United States.

You will drive process development, optimization, and standardization to boost safety, quality, throughput, and OEE while leveraging your deep knowledge of paper properties and converting systems.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Paper Science or related engineering field.
• Five+ years of process-engineering experience in manufacturing with paper/paper-converting background.
• Direct paper or paper-converting manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in process development, optimization, troubleshooting, DOE, process capability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of paper properties and converting performance.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide corporate process-engineering leadership for paper-based manufacturing.
• 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.
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing problems using root-cause analysis, data analysis, DOE, and process capability methods.
• Establish critical process parameters, operating windows, specifications, controls, and SOPs.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D/Product Development to industrialize new products and technologies.
• Evaluate equipment and processes to improve speed, reliability, OEE, yield, quality, automation, and simplification.
• Develop and transfer process standards and best practices across locations.
• Provide process-engineering support for capital projects, including FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
• Develop process documentation and train personnel in process fundamentals and standardized practices.

Skills

Process engineering

Root-cause analysis

DOE

Continuous improvement

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Travel flexibility

Education

B.S. in Paper Science

Paper Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

PLC systems

High-speed converting equipment

Job description

Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

SCOPE

• Provide corporate process-engineering leadership across manufacturing operations, with 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 provide process-engineering support for capital equipment, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and process qualification. Project management is a supporting responsibility rather than the primary purpose of the position.
• This position requires 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.

Principal 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 to 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.

Essential Skills And Requirements

• B.S. in Paper Science, Paper Engineering, Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or 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.
• Direct paper or paper-converting manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
• 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.
• Experience with high-speed web handling, converting equipment, adhesives, and automated/PLC-controlled manufacturing systems preferred.
• Experience developing process specifications and supporting equipment commissioning, FAT/SAT, process qualification, and production ramp-up.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills; knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and SPC. Ability to travel as required.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

• Delivers measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, OEE, reliability, yield, waste, and cost.
• Develop data-driven solutions that eliminate root causes and establish robust, repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Successfully develops and transfers process standards and best practices across manufacturing locations.
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise and credibility in paper materials, converting processes, manufacturing equipment, and process engineering.
• Effectively supports new-product industrialization, equipment commissioning, process qualification, and production ramp-up while communicating effectively across the organization.

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.

Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!

We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.

You belong here. Join us today!