Early Career Engineer

Clearwater Paper Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearwater Paper Corporation offers an Early Career Engineer rotational program for recent graduates to gain exposure to diverse aspects of the business through a series of assignments, building a strong technical foundation and business acumen.

Position is onsite at one of our mills in Augusta, GA, Cypress Bend, AR, or Lewiston, ID, with hands-on experience across process engineering and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• Less than 2 years of relevant experience, including internships.
• Basic knowledge of PI System (Process Information System) or similar process data historian.
• Intermediate systems aptitude and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate technologies and implement process changes to reduce costs and improve quality.
• Lead technical troubleshooting of equipment and processes.
• Provide data for reports and performance updates.
• Analyze data to reduce variability and improve performance.
• Review production schedules to reduce downtime and changeovers.
• Write procedures, train operators, and monitor compliance.
• Support shutdown planning and scheduling.
• Assist capital projects and startup activities.

Skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

PI System

Job description

The Clearwater Paper Early Career Engineer role is a rotational development opportunity for recent college graduates to gain exposure to various aspects of the business through a series of diverse assignments. These rotations are designed to build a strong foundation of technical skills, enhance business acumen, and provide valuable hands-on experience across multiple areas of the paper mill. Each rotation offers an opportunity to explore your interests, develop your strengths, and refine your engineering discipline.

This opportunity will be based onsite at one of our three fully integrated mills, which includes Augusta, GA, Cypress Bend, AR or Lewiston, ID.

Essential Functions

Technical Assistance

• Evaluate technologies and implement process changes to reduce costs, increase production, and improve quality
• Lead technical troubleshooting of equipment and process issues
• Provide data for reports and performance updates
• Analyze data to reduce variability and improve performance
• Review production schedules to reduce downtime and changeovers
• Develop solutions to prevent equipment failures and process instability
• Write procedures, train operators, and monitor compliance
• Support operational shutdown planning and scheduling

Process Improvement

• Develop knowledge of process flow, operator responsibilities, quality attributes, and improvement opportunities
• Conduct and document process trials to improve productivity and quality
• Support capital expenditure proposals, technical activities, and project startups
• Recommend and implement process and chemical changes to improve operations
• Support data collection for capital projects and startup activities
• Train crews on new equipment and chemical additives
• Monitor process variables and recommend changes to improve performance
• Identify and eliminate root causes of process variation
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required
• Less than 2 years of relevant experience, including internships
• Basic knowledge of PI System (Process Information System) or similar process data historian
• Intermediate systems aptitude and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing and operational areas, including eye and hearing protection, hard hat, and steel-toed footwear
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, odors, temperature variations, and industrial conditions
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling as required by the role
• Extended periods of standing, walking, and working on concrete or uneven surfaces
• Climbing stairs, ladders, platforms, or elevated work areas as required by the role

Total Rewards Details

We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and the candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off includes vacation days, personal days, and company holidays. For more on our compensation philosophy, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] .

Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment‑based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment‑based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

This role will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks or at the point a successful candidate is selected.