Process Engineer - Finishing

General Formulations; Sparta (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

General Formulations is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to join our Engineering team and support Finishing operations. This role involves working directly with slitting, sheeting, converting, and material handling to optimize processes, improve reliability, and enhance product quality on the production floor.

You will analyze production data, troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, develop documentation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce waste and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in slitting, sheeting, converting, finishing, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and utilize production and process data.
• Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the production floor working with equipment and teams.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve slitting, sheeting, converting, and finishing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process optimization, quality improvement, waste reduction, increased throughput, and improved material utilization.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment-related issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Perform testing, experimentation, and validation of manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
• Evaluate and optimize slitter, sheeter, rewind, and material handling processes to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, work instructions, setup procedures, and technical reports.
• Create engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, equipment layouts, and project documentation.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs and support CMMS activities.
• Lead or support capital projects, equipment installations, equipment upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and Technical teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Assist with process audits, equipment evaluations, field inspections, and startup activities for new equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Support efforts to improve machine uptime, production speeds, yield, scrap, setup times, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Provide technical support and training to production teams related to process improvements, equipment changes, and standardized work.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Communication

Team collaboration

Production floor experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

CMMS systems

Engineering drawings

Process flow diagrams

Equipment layouts

Microsoft Excel

Job description

General Formulations is seeking a hands‑on Process Engineer to join our growing Engineering team and support our Finishing operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with slitting, sheeting, converting, and material handling processes while partnering with experienced engineers and production teams to optimize processes, improve equipment reliability, enhance product quality, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement. If you're energized by solving complex manufacturing challenges, analyzing process data, and driving operational excellence on the production floor, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve slitting, sheeting, converting, and finishing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process optimization, quality improvement, waste reduction, increased throughput, and improved material utilization.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment-related issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Perform testing, experimentation, and validation of manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
• Evaluate and optimize slitter, sheeter, rewind, and material handling processes to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, work instructions, setup procedures, and technical reports.
• Create engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, equipment layouts, and project documentation.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs and support CMMS activities.
• Lead or support capital projects, equipment installations, equipment upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and Technical teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Assist with process audits, equipment evaluations, field inspections, and startup activities for new equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Support efforts to improve machine uptime, production speeds, yield, scrap, setup times, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Provide technical support and training to production teams related to process improvements, equipment changes, and standardized work.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.
• REQUIRED Experience in slitting, sheeting, converting, finishing, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and utilize production and process data.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the production floor working directly with equipment and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering environment.
• Experience with slitters, sheeters, rewinders, or other converting/finishing equipment.
• Experience working with flexible materials, films, papers, laminates, or other roll-based materials.
• Working knowledge of CMMS systems and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience with CAD software, engineering drawings, equipment layouts, and process flow diagrams.
• Familiarity with web handling, tension control, slitting, sheeting, rewinding, roll handling, and material movement systems.
• Experience with machine setup optimization, changeover reduction, and production efficiency initiatives.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methodologies.