Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Converting

Job Title:      Senior Converting Engineer 

Reports To:   Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location:       Aurora, IL

Position Summary

The Senior Converting Engineer supports the development, implementation, and optimization of converting equipment within assigned manufacturing processes focused on paper & film converting systems. This role partners with manufacturing teams, operators, technicians, OEMs, and suppliers to improve equipment performance, reliability, productivity, and product quality.

The position leads capital equipment projects, develops machine improvements, supports process optimization efforts, and works with equipment suppliers to advance converting technologies. The Senior Converting Engineer provides technical leadership through project execution, engineering expertise, and cross-functional collaboration while serving as a key resource for assigned converting equipment platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned converting equipment, specifically focused on paper and film.

Lead capital equipment development, upgrade, and modernization projects from concept through implementation.

Develop equipment specifications, technical requirements, scopes of work, and project plans.

Manage project timelines, deliverables, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communication.

Support equipment commissioning, startup, FATs, SATs, and performance validation activities.

Partner with OEMs and suppliers to evaluate, improve, and develop converting equipment solutions.

Identify opportunities for proprietary machine enhancements and equipment modifications.

Design and implement equipment upgrades that improve safety, reliability, productivity and quality.

Lead development of new consumable types through converting assets.

Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts for technical and operational challenges.

Partner with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and implement equipment improvements.

Work with operators and process technicians to evaluate process settings, consumables, and equipment capabilities.

Support plant-led process optimization efforts through testing, analysis, and engineering recommendations.

Develop engineering concepts, layouts, specifications, and documentation for machine modifications and equipment improvements.

Coordinate internal and external resources to support successful project execution.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and project teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

10+ years of engineering experience in capital equipment engineering. Experience with web handling highly preferred.

Experience leading capital equipment development, equipment upgrades, and technology implementation projects.

Strong mechanical design and machine development experience.

Proven experience working with OEMs, equipment suppliers, and external technical partners.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence technical decisions without direct authority.

Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.

Experience troubleshooting equipment, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing sustainable solutions.

Experience with machine connectivity, Industrial IoT, real-time equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, or manufacturing data analytics – preferred.

Travel – 25%.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of converting equipment, manufacturing processes, and capital equipment systems.

Strong mechanical design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Strong project management skills. Ability to maintain project schedules, budgets, and trackers. Effective at reporting out project statuses to key stakeholders.

Ability to manage multiple technical projects while balancing operational and business priorities.

Familiarity with industrial control systems, PLCs, HMIs, motion control, servo systems, sensors, and process control loops. Ability to work effectively with controls engineers, OEMs, and plant personnel to troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize machine performance, and implement equipment enhancements.

Ability to effectively collaborate with OEMs, suppliers, plant leadership, operators, technicians, and engineering teams.

Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making capabilities.

Ability to translate operational challenges into practical engineering solutions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical presentations and project updates.

Ability to use equipment performance data to identify trends, improve reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Ability to provide technical leadership through expertise, collaboration, and execution.

Compensation 

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Pregis’ total compensation package. The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $100,000 to $140,000, depending on experience and skills.

Compensation details listed in US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits. Learn more about Benefits at Pregis.