Electrical Engineer

Marcal Paper; Cordova (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

MARCAL Paper is seeking an Electrical Engineer to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize electrical systems across a pulp mill. You will lead maintenance programs, support PLC/DCS control systems, and participate in capital upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency.

The role requires hands-on experience with high/low voltage systems, strong problem-solving, and collaboration with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with HV and LV electrical systems, transformers, and MCCs.
• Strong troubleshooting of PLCs, DCS, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience in power distribution, load calculations, and energy efficiency improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with CMMS for work orders and tracking maintenance activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve electrical failures quickly.
• Experience conducting RCA and implementing corrective actions to improve system reliability.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for working with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems, motors, drives, switchgear, MCCs, transformers, and power distribution systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical failures in pulp mill equipment, conveyors, refiners, digesters, paper machines, and drying systems.
• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs to improve system reliability.
• Support and maintain PLC and DCS control systems, including troubleshooting, programming modifications, and upgrades.
• Lead or assist in capital projects, including electrical equipment installations, mill expansions, and system upgrades.
• Specify, design, and install electrical panels, motor control centers, and power distribution systems for new or upgraded equipment.
• Ensure proper testing, commissioning, and documentation of electrical installations.
• Work with vendors, contractors, and consultants to implement best practices for electrical reliability.
• Ensure all electrical work complies with OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and other industry standards.

Skills

HV/LV systems

PLC/DCS troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Root cause analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

ABB

Honeywell

CMMS

Job description

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for providing hands‑on technical expertise in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of electrical systems and equipment in a paper pulp mill. This role requires direct involvement in plant operations, ensuring electrical reliability, efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. The engineer will work closely with E&I, maintenance and production teams to minimize downtime, enhance equipment performance, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform hands‑on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems, motors, drives, switchgear, MCCs, transformers, and power distribution systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical failures in pulp mill equipment, conveyors, refiners, digesters, paper machines, and drying systems.
• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs to improve system reliability.
• Support and maintain PLC and DCS control systems, including troubleshooting, programming modifications, and upgrades.

Plant Operations & Process Optimization

• Work closely with production teams to ensure electrical systems support mill operations without unexpected downtime.
• Optimize power consumption and energy efficiency through data analysis and equipment modifications.
• Assist in troubleshooting electrical, automation and instrumentation issues that impact production.
• Implement electrical improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and compliance with mill operating standards.

Capital Projects & System Upgrades

• Lead or assist in capital projects, including electrical equipment installations, mill expansions, and system upgrades.
• Specify, design, and install electrical panels, motor control centers, and power distribution systems for new or upgraded equipment.
• Ensure proper testing, commissioning, and documentation of electrical installations.
• Work with vendors, contractors, and consultants to implement best practices for electrical reliability.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

• Ensure all electrical work complies with OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and other industry standards.
• Design and maintain accurate electrical schematics, drawings, and control system documentation.
• Support environmental and safety compliance by implementing electrical improvements to mitigate risks.

Qualifications & Experience

• Hands‑on experience with high‑voltage (HV) and low‑voltage (LV) electrical systems, transformers, circuit breakers, and motor controls centers (MCCs).
• Strong knowledge of troubleshooting PLCs, DCS, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience in power distribution, load calculations, and energy efficiency improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for work orders and tracking maintenance activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve electrical failures quickly.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions to improve system reliability.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for working with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls or Mechatronic engineering (or related field required).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, and system optimization in a paper pulp mill or heavy industrial environment.
• Proficiency in working with PLC/DCS programming (Allen‑Bradley, ABB & Honeywell).
• Experience with OT environment.
• Experience with medium‑voltage (MV) and high‑voltage (HV) power distribution systems preferred.
• Previous work experience in a unionized environment is a plus (optional).
• Experience with Quality Control Systems (QCS) systems is a plus.

Expectations & Work Environment

• Work in an industrial manufacturing setting, requiring hands‑on involvement with electrical systems, working at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Availability for on‑call support and emergency maintenance situations.
• Commitment to electrical safety protocols, PPE requirements, and industry best practices.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development to stay current with industry standards.

Job Type: Full‑time

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Engineering: 5 years (Required)

MARCAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Compliance w/All EEO Laws, Regulations & Prescribed Federal Guidelines. Marcal is an equal opportunity employer with respect to recruiting, advertising, promotions, transfers, discipline, discharge, and all terms and conditions of employment. This means our Company considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, immutable birth characteristics, political affiliation, status about public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status, except as may be required by applicable law. All applicants will be considered solely based on their qualifications.