Senior Converting Engineer (Chicago)

Senior Converting Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: Circa $135,000 dependent on experience (Relocation package on offer)

Travel: Approximately 25%

We are working with a leading Flexible Packaging materials business who are seeking an experienced Senior Converting Engineer to lead the development, improvement and optimisation of converting equipment.

This is a hands-on engineering role combining mechanical design, capital equipment projects, troubleshooting and continuous improvement. You will take ownership of equipment enhancements and technical projects, working closely with manufacturing teams, engineering colleagues and external equipment suppliers. From developing new machine subsystems and improving existing equipment to introducing new consumables, you will play a key role in advancing manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead capital equipment upgrades, modernisation projects and equipment development initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Design and develop mechanical components, machine modifications and new subsystems, including CAD designs, layouts and prototypes.
• Manage external engineering firms and equipment suppliers, developing technical specifications, scopes of work and project requirements.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and performance validation.
• Lead the development and introduction of new consumables across paper and film converting equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues, conducting root cause analysis and implementing sustainable improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine reliability, productivity, safety and product quality through engineering modifications.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, using equipment performance data and practical engineering expertise to optimise manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, operations and engineering teams to deliver technical solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, technicians and project teams.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years' engineering experience, ideally involving capital equipment, machine development or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong experience with converting , web handling or related manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience managing equipment suppliers, OEMs and external engineering partners.
• A solid mechanical design background, with the ability to develop CAD designs, machine modifications and mechanical subsystems.
• Experience managing equipment projects, from writing specifications and overseeing design through to commissioning and validation.
• A hands-on approach to troubleshooting, root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, motion control, servo systems and industrial automation.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%, primarily across the Midwest.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a technically driven engineer who enjoys getting into the detail, solving complex mechanical challenges and seeing projects through to completion. You'll have the autonomy to drive equipment improvements, influence technical decisions and work directly with suppliers to turn engineering concepts into practical manufacturing solutions.

Compensation: Circa $135,000 base salary, depending on experience.