Lead Process Engineer - Pilot CenterLocation: Sparta, MIFunction: Research & DevelopmentAre you ready to revolutionize adhesive tape with us?At tesa, we're not just colleagues; we're collaborators who thrive on pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Our mission is to create sustainable adhesive solutions that improve the work, products, and lives of our customers - we're passionate about making a difference!Our team of scientists and engineers is looking for a talented and motivated individual to support our group as a Lead Process Engineer for our North American Pilot Center which was opened in 2023 and is designed to support bringing small-scale experimentation and sampling to large-scale production success.In the Lead Process Engineer role, you will be responsible to produce a wide range of adhesive tape prototype samples via chemical compounding, mixing, extrusion and drive investments into new coating technologies. This includes but is not limited to adhesive tapes for the Automotive Industry such as Cell wrapping and In-cell Tapes for EV Batteries, Permeable Air Barriers for commercial and residential buildings, performance masking tapes and electrical insulation tapes. You will be a major player for one of the most crucial pieces of our development technology in North America.What you'll do:Responsible for the safe operation and management of the Pilot Center.Responsible for defining the strategic goals of the Pilot Center North America and new investment projectsRun machinery, especially extrusion, water-based coating, and all other machinery pertaining to the trial requestCoordination and execution of pilot plant trials and independent scheduling in alignment with other functions, such as product development and production.Responsible for safety, deadlines, costs and the evaluation of technical trials, as well as the assessment of the result in terms of raw material, process and product properties.Close co-operation with HQ to roll out LIMS databases and systems, analyze the data (quality records, production data), documents and communicate the results.Lead and develop the Pilot Center team to achieve short term success and long-term career goalsWhat you'll need:Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering3-5 years' experience in a production environment of web coating and/or converting processesKnowledge and experience in extrusion technologyGood mechanical aptitude and a strong hands-on mentalityThe capability to troubleshoot equipment/process issuesStrong proficiency in the use of Windows/Microsoft Office SuiteGood communication skills to interact with colleaguesAbility to stand at a workstation and/or move throughout the facility during most of the dayRequires normal lifting of ~50 lbs., use of both hands, correctable vision and no color-blindnessKnowledge and experience with DOE methodsAn understanding of machine maintenance