Process Engineer, Web Handling & Coating
Sparta, Michigan | On-site
What You’ll Do
Relate Search has partnered with General Formulations, a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer in Sparta, Michigan, to find a Process Engineer who knows continuous web manufacturing and enjoys solving problems close to the production line. In this hands-on role, you’ll work with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to improve process stability, product quality, equipment reliability, throughput, and waste. You’ll investigate issues, run trials, support equipment and process changes, and turn effective improvements into standard practice. Coating experience is helpful, but strong web-handling fundamentals are the priority.
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day process engineering support for web handling, coating, and finishing operations, partnering with production teams on safety, quality, and output.
Troubleshoot process, quality, and equipment issues using production data and structured root cause analysis.
Lead or support improvements that reduce scrap and variation, improve throughput and equipment reliability, and make processes more consistent.
Plan and support process trials, recipe validation, and equipment or process changes, including installation and commissioning work.
Work across Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to sustain improvements and keep process documentation, standard operating procedures, and engineering records current.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
Approximately 3 to 5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience; candidates with more experience are welcome.
Required hands-on experience with roll-to-roll or continuous web handling in paper, plastics, tissue, converting, printing, laminating, or a similar manufacturing environment.
Understanding of web handling fundamentals, including tension control, tracking, material behavior, and process stability. Coating or drying experience is a plus, not a requirement.
Practical problem-solving and data analysis skills, with the communication and collaboration ability to work effectively across production and support teams.
Perks & Benefits
Join a second-generation, family-owned company that has been in business since 1953 and continues to invest in its people and operations.
Work in a close-knit environment shaped by leaders with firsthand production-floor experience.
On-site in Sparta, with engineering hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and flexibility to connect with production needs. Overtime is voluntary and weekends are rare.
Strong benefits package and regular employee events, including cook-offs, cornhole, and seasonal traditions.
About Relate Search
Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.
Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement
Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.