UPM

Finishing Process Engineer

101 E Corporate Dr, Dixon, IL 61021

Full-time · $73k–$99k (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!

Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers

UPM Adhesive Materials is looking for a Finishing Process Engineer who will be responsible for day-to-day activities of production areas including volume produced, achieved quality level, efficiency, waste reduction, and other projects as identified, as well as for planning maintenance and long-term process development work in cooperation with department manager.

Greetings from your future manager 

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy challenging the status quo, and have a passion for continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you. We're looking for someone who is proactive, solutions-focused, and eager to identify opportunities to improve processes, drive efficiency, and contribute to a collaborative team. If you're motivated by meaningful work and enjoy making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply - Frank Alleven, Finishing Manager Global Operations

What you will do 

Promote and support behaviors consistent with our Safety Principles
Assure a safety conscious work environment including JHA review and implementation and safety walks
Overall ownership of improvements surrounding Safety, Quality, Service, and Productivity
Ensure products are produced correctly and consistently, meeting given specifications, supported by SOP’s and IT-tools
Write standard operating procedures to revise current procedures or when new procedures are needed
Process evaluation and improvements in the finishing department, including slitting, rewinding, packing, material handling and warehouses
Evaluate run-ability of materials, make or recommend process changes to improve overall outcomes
Responsible to evaluate and qualify new products and product transitions in the finishing department
Lead continuous improvement projects, including but not limited to Lean Six Sigma projects. Must have analytical skills with a continuous improvement mindset
Attend customer visits when necessary to identify issues and work toward resolution
Process development and coordination of maintenance of the finishing and material handling machinery in cooperation with the maintenance team and Finishing Manager
Working with the quality department to resolve customer claims and to development and support of our Corrective Actions/Preventative Actions process
Support Other tasks specified in the Quality Management System
Maintain appropriate documentation related to processes, performance, etc., analyze as appropriate to determine and capitalize on best practices
Perform all duties in full compliance of all laws, safety and environmental regulations, and in a manner consistent with company policies and procedures
Perform all duties consistent with the Roles and Responsibilities defined in the company’s OHS Standards and Guidelines

Who you are 

You have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, along with exposure to a manufacturing environment (preferably in the paper or paper converting industry)
You have a good understanding of the mechanical requirements of relevant machinery, preferably modern, high‑technology systems
You have demonstrated strong analytical and logical problem‑solving skills, along with creativity, inventiveness, and initiative
You are proficient in MS Office applications and production systems
You have excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
You are able to function effectively as a member of a team
You have experience working in project teams, and exposure to Lean Six Sigma methodologies is preferred

This is what we offer to you 

A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.

A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.

Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.

Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.

Comprehensive benefit package: UPM’s benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Salary range: 73,000 to 99,000 USD / annually

UPM offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

Health insurance: comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
Other insurances: disability coverage, life, and AD&D insurance
Retirement plan: 401(k) with company match and employer retirement contribution
Paid time off: 64 hours of paid time off; 40 hours of paid time leave; 11 company holidays  
Bonus: annual performance-based short-term incentive plan
Other: professional development opportunities

Benefits are updated annually and plan level eligibility requirements may apply.

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working

Additional information about the position

This position is located in Dixon.

The position holder will report to Frank Alleven.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by November 1, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline.

For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or tel. +18777235247.

Learn more about how to apply from our Careers page.

Country-specific information

This job description is intended to be a guide and is not intended to be a contract of employment, explicit or implicit. All contents are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company. Cooperation is expected of all employees. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Only candidates authorized to work within the United States without sponsorship will be considered.

UPM North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

UPM business

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

UPM – we renew the everyday