Complex Project Engineering Lead

International Paper; Selma (AL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

International Paper seeks a Complex Project Engineering Lead to guide safety-oriented project delivery across global sites in a manufacturing setting. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage scope and schedules, and ensure design integrity and lifecycle value from planning through startup.

The role requires a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and 10+ years of capital/maintenance experience, including 5+ years in a large pulp and paper environment. International travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field is required.
• 10+ years in capital and maintenance engineering, with 5+ years in a large pulp and paper mill setting.
• Familiarity with SAP, Unifier, MS Project, AutoCAD and Adobe software.
• Experience managing large-scale capital projects and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership in safety and ensure EHS compliance with company policies.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to meet objectives and mitigate risks.
• Manage all phases of capital projects from scope to startup per IP’s process.
• Develop and maintain scope, cost, schedule systems and master schedules; monitor progress.
• Coordinate with engineering firms, vendors and internal stakeholders for design integrity and lifecycle value.
• Lead contractor selection, bid analysis, contracts, and construction oversight.
• Mentor junior engineers and support team development.
• Travel internationally to vendor sites for factory acceptance tests and inspections.
• Prepare and distribute monthly reports detailing progress, issues and resolutions.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Project coordination

International travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

MS Project

SAP

Unifier

AutoCAD

Adobe

Job description

Job Description

Title: Complex Project Engineering Lead

Duties: Provide visible leadership in safety and ensure compliance with all EHS regulations and company policies. Organize and lead cross‑functional project teams, aligning corporate and mill disciplines to meet objectives and mitigate risks. Manage all phases of capital projects—from scope development, design review, and procurement to construction, commissioning, and startup—following IP’s Project Delivery Process. Develop and maintain project scope control, cost/schedule systems, and master schedules; monitor progress, identify risks, and implement contingency plans. Develop and maintain project schedules using MS Project; review contractor schedules and identify critical paths. Coordinate with engineering firms, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure design integrity, constructability, and lifecycle value. Lead contractor selection, bid analysis, contract development, and construction oversight; resolve field issues and ensure safety compliance. Support equipment selection, factory acceptance testing, installation inspections, and numbering systems. Facilitate training and startup plans; ensure performance evaluation and lessons learned are captured at each phase. Prepare and distribute monthly reports detailing project progress, issues, and resolutions. Mentor junior engineers and support team development. Travel internationally to vendor sites Canada, Germany, Mexico, Finland to conduct factory acceptance tests and any inspections.

Requirements: Must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related plus 10 years of experience in capital and maintenance engineering with 5 being in a large‑scale pulp and paper mill setting, including:

• Microsoft Office, SAP, Unifier, AutoCAD, Adobe and MS Project
• Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance within pulp and paper industry standards and operating practices
• Managing large‑scale capital projects with annual project portfolios of up to $50 million
• Project controls, engineering coordination, construction management, reliability, and regulatory compliance
• Managing Woodyard, Medium Consistency Pump,Best Management Practices (BMP) & Effluent Treatment System replacement and improvement projects.
• Preparing and maintaining cost reports, accruals, forecasts, and cash flow scenarios; tracking spending and providing periodic updates using SAP and Unifier.

International travel is required 4-5 times a year to CAN/GER/MEX/FIN to conduct factory acceptance tests. Must be available to work night shift for up to 1.5 months at a time.

Salary: $129,900 to $180,400 per year

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday

Location: International Paper

601 County Road 78

Selma, AL 36703

Contact: Katie Mosby, Legal Department- Paralegal - Labor & Employment

About Us

The Benefits You Will Enjoy

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build

Leadership training, promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever‑changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].