Process Engineer (M/F/D)

Overview

A globally active and expanding manufacturer of high-performance packaging and technical film solutions is seeking a practical process specialist to support its production team in Freiburg. The position is centered on extrusion and continuous film or sheet manufacturing, with an emphasis on working directly with equipment, diagnosing process challenges, and improving how materials respond to heat, pressure, and line speed.

This opportunity is a strong fit for someone who prefers shopfloor involvement, enjoys solving technical production issues, and has experience in environments such as packaging, medical products, or specialty materials.

Core Responsibilities

• Assume ownership of extrusion operations on continuous film or sheet production lines.
• Review and fine-tune process settings such as temperature curves, pressure, output rate, web tension, and nip or roller adjustments.
• Work directly with raw materials including mixtures, compounds, powders, granulates, dry blends, additives, and formulated compounds.
• Provide process support for downstream steps like calendering, coating, and lamination, depending on the product.
• Investigate and resolve issues such as thickness variation, surface quality problems, material irregularities, and unexpected machine stoppages.
• Carry out trials for new materials, formulations, and process changes.
• Work closely with operators and maintenance teams every day to keep production stable and improve line efficiency.
• In a later stage, contribute to or lead improvement initiatives related to Lean, OEE, automation, or process enhancement projects.

Profile and Requirements

• Proven practical experience with extrusion, calendaring, or molding-related processes.
• Professional background in films, packaging, technical foils, or calendered products.
• A hands-on, production-oriented working style, ideally comparable to a Techniker, Meister, Prozesstechniker, or similar profile.
• Ability to analyze, read, and apply process data and performance metrics.
• Good understanding of material preparation and handling, including powders, granulates, and additives.
• Experience with continuous manufacturing environments such as web handling, tension regulation, and roller-based systems.
• German language skills are needed for daily communication on the shopfloor; English is an advantage for working with international teams.
• Experience with materials such as PVC, PET, TPU, blister films, or other specialty polymers is beneficial.
• Exposure to equipment such as calenders, laminators, coaters, or even paper machines is considered valuable transferable experience.

Additional Information

This role is based in Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and is a full-time, on-site position.

The employer is looking for someone who is comfortable being close to the machinery, quickly identifying root causes, and helping production run more reliably and efficiently.