Product / Process Engineer

Join the Smyth Team — Where Leadership and Innovation Meet

At Smyth, we take pride in being a trusted leader in the label manufacturing industry, delivering top-quality to brands across the nation. We’re looking for a Product/Process Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, inspires teams to excel, and is passionate about driving excellence and innovation.

If you’re a proactive collaborator who loves solving problems, improving processes, and mentoring others — you’ll find a rewarding career and supportive culture here at Smyth.

What We’re Looking For

A Product/Process Engineer at our Smyth – Chicago facility to lead the development, scale-up, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and product quality across our coating, laminating, and converting operations. You’ll ensure product performance meets customer specifications and internal standards through meticulous process control and customer qualification. Serving as the key technical liaison across R&D, production, quality, and customers, you’ll drive robustness and efficiency from lab scale to full production.

Your Impact

With focus on manufacturing key objectives, you’ll be responsible for executing technical production plans, meeting quality and customer expectations, and guiding operations to peak performance.

Interested – Apply NOW – want to know more – read on!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process development, optimization, and troubleshooting for coating, laminating, and converting operations.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, material specifications, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate with customers for qualification programs — including sample preparation, performance testing, data analysis, and technical reporting.
• Analyze process metrics and product performance to implement corrective and preventive actions ensuring consistent quality and yield.
• Manage scale-up activities from pilot trials to full production, balancing product functionality, process capability, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to establish and monitor process control standards using SPC, DOE, and other Six Sigma methodologies.
• Partner suppliers and customers to qualify materials and validate product performance.
• Drive initiatives for process improvements, waste reduction, and sustainability in coating and converting operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality management standards such as ISO/BRC and GMP.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in process and/or product engineering within printing, coating, laminating, and/or converting industries.
• Up to 25% travel may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of roll-to-roll web processes, coating and curing systems, film and paper substrates, and process automation.
• Proficiency in statistical process control, root cause analysis, and process validation techniques.
• Strong technical writing and data analysis skills with proficiency in tools such as Excel and Minitab.
• Experience in leading customer technical qualifications and managing cross-functional project timelines.

Why You’ll Love Working at Smyth

At Smyth, you’re more than your job title — you're a valued member of a supportive and forward-thinking team. We believe great work happens when people feel appreciated, empowered, and inspired. That’s why we offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life & Disability Coverage: Company-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• Financial Security: 401(k) with company match
• Flex Spending Accounts: Medical Expense and Dependent Care FSAs
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Wellness Matters: Health & wellness programs and resources
• Investing in You: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning opportunities
• Collaborative, people-first culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• Career growth opportunities with a company that invests in your professional development
• Continuous improvement mindset — we’re always evolving, and you’ll help lead that change
• Modern facility and advanced technology to support success in every production run

Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $90,000-$110,000 DOE

Candidates requiring relocation will be considered

Now are you READY to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to make an impact and grow with an industry leader, Smyth wants to hear from you. Apply today to join a company where your leadership drives innovation, quality, and success — every single day.