Manufacturing Engineer (Chemical)

IPG; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG in Blythewood, SC seeks a Manufacturing Engineer with a chemical focus to design, optimize, and maintain production processes, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

The role emphasizes process improvement, plant performance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with maintenance and quality teams. A Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and 2–4 years of manufacturing experience are preferred, with Master’s being a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 2-4 years of relevant experience, Manufacturing environment preferred.
• Process control knowledge and data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with industrial equipment (reactors, distillation, pumps, heat exchangers).
• Knowledge of DCS/PLC systems.
• Project management skills.
• Experience supporting paper, pulp, packaging, tissue, converting, or coated paper manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize daily plant operations to maximize efficiency and output.
• Design and improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflows.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze process data (temperature, pressure, flow rates) to improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and equipment commissioning.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production failures or downtime.
• Evaluate raw materials and product quality to maintain consistency.
• Reviewing production metrics and KPIs.
• Adjusting process parameters to meet targets.
• Working on the plant floor with operators and technicians.
• Investigating equipment or process deviations.
• Participating in safety meetings and audits.
• Other tasks as needed

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Process optimization

Data analysis

DCS/PLC knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Reactors

Distillation

Pumps

Heat exchangers

Job description

Join the IPG Team!

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!

Join the IPG Team!

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!

Position Description

Title: Manufacturing Engineer - Chemical Focused

Department: Maintenance and Engineering

Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager

Status: Exempt Salaried

Location: On-Site Position at Blythewood, SC Facility

Position Purpose: The Chemical Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining production processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. This role focuses heavily on process improvement, plant performance, and troubleshooting.

Principle Accountabilities

• Monitor and optimize daily plant operations to maximize efficiency and output
• Design and improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflows
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions
• Analyze process data (temperature, pressure, flow rates) to improve performance
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA)
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and equipment commissioning
• Conduct root cause analysis for production failures or downtime
• Evaluate raw materials and product quality to maintain consistency
• Reviewing production metrics and KPIs
• Adjusting process parameters to meet targets
• Working on the plant floor with operators and technicians
• Investigating equipment or process deviations
• Participating in safety meetings and audits
• Other tasks as needed

Essential Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 2-4 years of relevant experience, Manufacturing environment preferred
• Process optimization and control knowledge
• Knowledge of industrial equipment (reactors, distillation, pumps, heat exchangers)
• Data analysis and problem-solving
• Familiarity with process control systems (DCS/PLC)
• Project management skills
• Experience supporting paper, pulp, packaging, tissue, converting, or coated paper manufacturing operations.

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!