TalentBridge
Process Development Engineer - Printing & Thin-Film Materials
Location: Charlotte, NC area
A growing advanced materials manufacturer is seeking a Process Development Engineer to support the scale-up of R&D innovations into full-scale production. This role will focus on optimizing print and coating processes, improving manufacturability, and resolving technical challenges on the production floor. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in printing technologies, thin-film or flexible substrates , and cross-functional engineering collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
Location: Charlotte, NC area
A growing advanced materials manufacturer is seeking a Process Development Engineer to support the scale-up of R&D innovations into full-scale production. This role will focus on optimizing print and coating processes, improving manufacturability, and resolving technical challenges on the production floor. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in printing technologies, thin-film or flexible substrates , and cross-functional engineering collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead process development efforts to transition digital and graphic printing technologies from pilot/R&D into high-volume manufacturing
- Support production teams with troubleshooting, optimization, and process improvements for printed and coated products
- Develop and implement test methods, quality specifications, and validation protocols for new and existing processes
- Collaborate with R&D, materials, quality, and operations to improve throughput, reduce defects, and ensure scalability
- Recommend equipment upgrades or modifications based on performance analysis and material compatibility
- Investigate new printing techniques, materials, and adhesion technologies to enhance product durability and visual quality
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions on process failures and manufacturing bottlenecks
- Author process documentation, operating procedures, and training materials
- Travel to production facilities or partner sites as needed (up to 25%)
- BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field
- 5+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing support, or scale-up-preferably in printing, packaging, thin-film, or ink-related industries
- Working knowledge of ink adhesion, polypropylene or PET substrates, and surface preparation methods
- Hands-on experience with digital or flexographic printing, lamination, or coating lines a plus
- Familiarity with continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
- Strong communication, analytical, and cross-functional project coordination skills
- Digital or industrial printing
- Thin-film converting or flexible packaging
- Food packaging, medical packaging, or label manufacturing
- Adhesion science or surface chemistry for plastics or polymers