Manufacturing Engineer I (Entry-Level)

International Paper; Manson (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company contributions

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

International Paper in North Carolina is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer I to support two corrugated packaging facilities in Manson and Lumberton. The role includes improving safety, equipment reliability, efficiency, quality, and cost performance, with cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance, and engineering.

You will analyze performance data, drive capital projects, and develop leaders through daily manufacturing involvement while maintaining a strong safety culture and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging, or Paper Science Engineering required by December 2026.
• Manufacturing internship or co-op experience preferred.
• Interest in heavy manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Self-starter who can work independently and within a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership through internships, co-ops, employment, student organizations, or academic projects.
• Ability to communicate with employees at all levels, including hourly operators, engineers, contractors, peers, and management; willing to relocate.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Work in a corrugated box manufacturing facility, collaborating with production employees, maintenance teams, contractors, and plant leadership.
• Demonstrate safety leadership by identifying hazards, following procedures, wearing PPE and stopping unsafe work.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify losses and quantify improvements.
• Partner with operations and maintenance to investigate equipment failures and improve reliability.
• Coordinate and manage improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Improve SOPs, work instructions, and operator training materials.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to investigate defects and implement corrective actions.
• Support planning and execution of capital improvement projects with engineering and leadership.
• Coordinate contractor activities to ensure safe, efficient completion aligned with project requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging, or Paper Science Engineering

Job description

Position Title

Manufacturing Engineer I

Pay Rate

$72,300 - $80,300

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range. Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP’s annual incentive plan.

Category/Shift

Salaried Full-Time

Physical Location

This role supports our plants in Manson, NC and Lumberton, NC. The successful candidate can be based out of either plant. Regular travel between these locations is expected.

The Job You Will Perform

The Manufacturing Engineer I position supporting the Manson, North Carolina and Lumberton, North Carolina corrugated packaging facilities offers an opportunity to gain hands-on manufacturing experience while supporting initiatives that improve safety, equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, and operating costs.

Working alongside experienced plant leaders, maintenance teams, and production personnel, the Manufacturing Engineer will analyze operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support the execution of engineering and capital projects.

The role provides opportunities to develop technical expertise and leadership capabilities through direct involvement in daily manufacturing operations, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Daily Tasks May Include

• Work in a corrugated box manufacturing facility, collaborating with production employees, maintenance teams, contractors, and plant leadership.
• Demonstrate safety leadership by identifying potential hazards, following established safety procedures, wearing appropriate PPE, and exercising stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are observed.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, improve manufacturing efficiency, and lower operating costs.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify losses, quantify improvement opportunities, and measure results.
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and improve equipment reliability.
• Coordinate and manage improvement projects, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
• Improve standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operator training materials to support consistent and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to investigate product defects, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions that improve product quality and manufacturing consistency.
• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of capital improvement projects alongside experienced engineering, maintenance, and plant leadership personnel.
• Coordinate contractor activities to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements.

The Skills You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging, or Paper Science Engineering required by December 2026.
• Previous manufacturing internship or co-op experience preferred.
• Strong interest in working in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to a dynamic manufacturing environment, and effectively manage change.
• Highly motivated, results-driven self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through internships, co-ops, employment, supervisory roles, student organizations, or academic projects.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with employees at all levels, including hourly operators, engineers, contractors, peers, and management.
• Willingness to relocate to the assigned manufacturing facility, with potential future relocation opportunities based on career interests and business needs.
• Access to reliable transportation.

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

Promotional opportunities within a global company

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. You will learn Safety Leadership Principles and have the opportunity to opt into Employee Networking Circles such as IPVets, IPride, Women in IP, and the African American ENC. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly 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].