Process Engineer - Product Development - Appvion

Job Description

Your Impact

As a Process Engineer at Appvion, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—leading new product development and driving continuous improvement across our Direct Thermal product line. Your work ensures we meet critical quality targets, reduce costs, and deliver best-in-class coated paper and film solutions to customers across North America.

What You’ll Be Doing

New Product Development (60%)

Lead execution of new product development projects for Direct Thermal applications

Plan and run full-scale production trials, analyzing results for cost, quality, and performance

Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to refine products based on customer feedback

Drive alignment between technical specs and market expectations

Research new technologies and trends to inform future product strategies

Cost Improvement (30%)

Evaluate raw material alternatives to reduce costs while maintaining performance

Partner with Procurement to define material specs and qualify new suppliers

Contribute to annual cost savings goals ($1MM+ target)

Advanced Technical Support (10%)

Serve as a technical expert for troubleshooting and continuous improvement

Develop advanced testing protocols to ensure product quality and stability

Organizational Development (10%)

Align project milestones with strategic product development goals

Communicate across departments to support commercialization and scale-up

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Coatings Engineering, or related field

2+ years of experience in coatings, chemicals, or manufacturing (exceptional entry-level candidates will be considered)

Background in R&D, technical support, or complex product manufacturing

Strong trial planning, execution, and team coordination skills

Excellent communication and leadership in cross-functional settings

Decisiveness and technical confidence during production trials and issue resolution

Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines

Who We Are

Appvion is the North American leader in high-performance and sustainable specialty coatings for thermal paper, labels, and films. Since 1907, we’ve delivered innovative solutions found in tickets, tags, labels, and packaging used daily across industries. Our proprietary technologies support barcode scannability, durability, and image precision in both pressure-sensitive and non-pressure-sensitive formats. Our brands include Resiste®, Alpha®, PolyTherm®, Royale®, and OPTIMA®.

What We Can Offer You

We care about your well-being and success—starting on day one.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance

Benefit Eligibility starting the 1st of the month after your hire date

Generous PTO & 12 Paid Holidays

401(k) with Employer Match

Onsite Fitness Center (available 24/7)

Annual Bonus + Referral Bonus Program

Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships

Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement (for professional positions)

Steel Toe & Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and families

Parental Leave, Volunteer Time Off, Sick and Emergency Time

Fine Print

Appvion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at .

A post-offer background check and drug screen are required.

Full-time