Senior Chemical Engineer

Senior Chemical Engineer – Web-Based Coating Manufacturing (Senior Director)

Zink Holdings, LLC, Whitsett, NC

Zink Holdings, LLC is a leading innovator in digital photographic paper production and advanced web-based coating technologies. Our operations combine precision chemical formulation, high-speed roll-to-roll processing, and robust quality systems to deliver innovative products to customers worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong chemical engineering background to join our senior management team in a Senior Director–level role.

Position Overview

The Senior Chemical Engineer (Senior Director) provides strategic and operational leadership across all Chemical Mixing and Coated Mill Roll manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for optimizing coating formulations, scaling processes, and leading high-performance manufacturing teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting quality and delivery objectives.

This leader partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and R&D to drive operational excellence and long-term technical advancement in a high-volume roll-to-roll manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level technical leadership for web-based (roll-to-roll) coating manufacturing operations
• Lead formulation development and optimization for solvent-based, water-based, UV-curable, and hot melt coating systems
• Oversee coating processes including slot die, gravure, reverse roll, curtain, and knife-over-roll methods
• Drive improvements in coating uniformity, adhesion, thickness control, and defect reduction
• Lead yield improvement, scrap reduction, and throughput optimization initiatives
• Partner with Production to troubleshoot coating defects such as streaks, mottle, voids, ribbing, and delamination
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Oversee scale-up from lab and pilot lines to full-scale manufacturing
• Collaborate on equipment upgrades, dryer optimization, web handling improvements, and line speed enhancements
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, ISO, GMP, and all applicable environmental and safety regulations
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control (SPC) initiatives
• Develop and mentor engineering and technical teams
• Support new product introductions and ensure seamless commercialization

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (required)
• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Polymer Science (preferred)

Experience

• 10 years of experience in coating or chemical process manufacturing
• 5 years in web-based or roll-to-roll coating environments
• Demonstrated experience scaling formulations from lab to production
• Proven success troubleshooting coating defects and reducing process variability
• Leadership experience in managing technical and cross-functional teams

Technical Expertise

• Rheology, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer
• Polymer chemistry, dispersions, emulsions, solvent systems
• Web handling systems, tension control, and industrial drying systems
• Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
• ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analytics
• Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and chemical regulatory compliance

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution focus
• Strong people leadership and team development skills
• Excellent cross-functional communication
• High accountability and results orientation
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, manufacturing-intensive environments

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Industry certifications in coatings, ISO, or process safety

Why Join Us?

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and career growth:

• Competitive salary
• 4-Day Work Week (Monday–Thursday, four 10-hour days)
• 401(k) plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with significant employer contribution
• Dollar-for-dollar HSA match annually up to IRS maximums
• 3 weeks of PTO
• 10–18 paid company holidays annually

For immediate consideration, please send your resume to Robin.Manley@zink.com or www.zink.com/careers

Salary : $125,000 - $175,000