At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in process chemistry to enhance papermaking efficiency.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a focus on professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by redefining packaging for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; experience in the paper industry preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Europe (regular travel across our Paper Mills, ~40%)
About the role
Make a Real-World Impact At DS Smith, we’re redefining what’s possible in paper and packaging by designing for circularity, accelerating innovation, and partnering with customers to eliminate waste and reduce carbon across value chains. As a Process Development Engineer, you’ll help us push boundaries in process chemistry, enabling smarter, cleaner, and more efficient papermaking across our mill network.
Key Responsibilities
- Optimize process chemistry at scale - lead audits, process mapping, data analysis, and trials (lab and mill) to enhance charge balance, drainage/retention, zeta potential control, and water system performance.
- Model to improve - build or adapt process models, interpret results, and translate insights into on-site changes and measured benefits.
- Run the Process Chemistry Working Group - schedule and facilitate sessions, document actions, track benefits, and share best practices across mills.
- Partner with suppliers - benchmark chemistries, evaluate samples, define test methods, and co-develop world-class applications with Procurement and R&D colleagues.
- Enable capability - deliver training and hands-on coaching for mill teams on process understanding, modeling, and best available practices.
- Drive change - help shape the strategy for process chemistry within Group R&D alongside the Materials Performance Lead.
About You
- Education: Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- Experience: Previous experience in technical applications within the paper industry or a paper chemicals supplier. Experience in a paper mill production environment.
- Technical depth: Hands-on know-how in charge balance, drainage & retention, zeta potential, fibre/water measurements, and lab-to-mill method transfer.
- Ways of working: Data-driven problem solving, structured experimentation, clear communication, strong stakeholder management, and a practical 'get it done' mindset.
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Process Development Engineer in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
