Product Development Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

The Process Engineer is responsible for creating, maintaining, and improving manufacturing processes and process documentation to support operational excellence. This position works closely with Production, Research & Development, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure products are successfully developed, launched, and manufactured using repeatable and reliable processes.

Process & Product Development

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Create and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), machine recipes, and process documentation.
• Partner with Production, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain teams during new product development and launch activities.
• Serve as the process owner for manufacturing operations by providing technical expertise and troubleshooting support.
• Lead new product introduction activities to ensure successful transition from development to full-scale production.

Process Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles, structured problem-solving techniques, and data-driven decision making.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address process deviations, customer complaints, and internal nonconformances.
• Monitor process performance metrics and implement sustainable improvements based on operational data.

Production Support & Engineering Initiatives

• Champion and sustain 6S initiatives across manufacturing areas through routine audits and corrective action plans.
• Identify capital improvement opportunities and develop CAPEX proposals, including scope, cost estimates, ROI analysis, project justification, and implementation timelines.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, facility layouts, and technical documentation that support manufacturing operations and shop floor activities.
• Support equipment installations, process validations, and manufacturing improvement projects.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field required; equivalent experience may be considered.

• 5-10+ years of experience working within a manufacturing environment.
• 3-5+ years of experience in a process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or process development role.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives and supporting production operations.
• Preferred: Experience within the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), tapes, or related converting/manufacturing industry.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and ISO 9001 standards.
• Strong understanding of SOP development, document control, and process documentation practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and process diagrams.
• Experience managing CAPEX projects, equipment installations, and process validations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

ATP North America is a leading manufacturer of specialty adhesive tape solutions serving a variety of industries throughout North America. 

The ATP Group is part of Henkel, a global company with around 50,000 employees worldwide and a strong portfolio of leading technologies and brands. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is a global market leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. Together, ATP and Henkel Adhesive Technologies combine deep expertise in specialty tapes and liquid adhesives to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions and greater value for customers and consumers.  

At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories. The “Know Your Rights” Poster is available here: "Know Your Rights" Poster .