Development Engineer

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

We are now looking for a Development Engineer  to join our Factory Management Team in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium.

Greetings from your future team

“You will join a collaborative and supportive team that values trust, shared goals, and continuous learning. We work hands-on, embrace curiosity, and strive for ongoing improvement – everyone’s ideas matter, and success is something we build together.”

What you will do

In this role, you will contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across development and quality processes. You will own CI projects, solve complex challenges, and collaborate across departments to enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. In addition, you will:

• Ensure and continuously improve safety in your area
• Develop and monitor KPIs, such as quality and performance stability
• Implement and improve 5S and Lean tools at the facility level, including DMS responsibilities and ISO 9001 compliance
• Lead and develop the Quality Lab team, fostering technical excellence and continuous improvement
• Support and manage the claims handling process (customer & purchasing claims)
• Lead and contribute to development and continuous improvement projects across production and quality

Who You Are

We are looking for a Development Engineer to support the General Manager in processes, systems, and people. This role is ideal for someone who takes initiative, assumes responsibility, and is ready to grow with our site. In addition:

• You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a technical field (preferably electromechanics, process engineering, industrial sciences, or equivalent through experience)
• You have a strong interest in production, feel comfortable working on the shop floor, and are familiar with production techniques
• You communicate effectively and work well in a team, while being confident in making independent decisions
• You are analytical and structured, with strong reporting and writing skills (Dutch and English)
• You think methodically and work in a project-based manner while maintaining a hands-on, goal-oriented approach
• You have a growth mindset and are motivated to develop alongside the organization
• You demonstrate strong problem-solving and project management skills, including leading cross-functional initiatives
• You have leadership and team development skills, including coaching and mentoring
• You manage time effectively and can prioritize tasks

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. 

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working.
 

Additional information

For further information about the role, please contact [email protected].

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by February 5, 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 [email protected] or tel. +48123999400.

UPM Adhesive Materials (formerly UPM Raflatac) offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 14 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,200 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1,6 billion (USD 1,7 billion) in 2024. Read more: www.labelmaterials.upm.com

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