Mechanical Engineer - Capital Projects

Smurfit Westrock; City of Syracuse, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks a Mechanical Engineer to drive capital projects across the Solvay Mill. You will evaluate systems, define scope, and manage schedules and budgets, delivering engineering and commissioning plans with cross‑functional teams.

You will collaborate with stakeholders in multiple departments, oversee procurement and construction activities, and ensure documentation compliance while supporting mill operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years in Project Engineering/Construction Management.
• Process and piping system design a plus.
• Pulp/paper manufacturing experience preferred.
• Instrumentation, pumping and PLC/DCS controls knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate mechanical/electromechanical systems to choose replacements.
• Manage large capital projects and improve mill productivity.
• Meet with stakeholders to define project needs and provide support.
• Develop scope, schedule and budgets for projects.
• Prepare detailed plans for engineering, construction and commissioning.
• Maintain project documentation from inception to closeout.
• Coordinate electrical, control, mechanical, civil and other engineering needs.
• Provide engineering support to mill operations and maintenance.

Skills

Project Engineering

Construction Management

Pulp/Paper experience

Instrumentation

PLC/DCS Controls

Budget and scheduling

Strong communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Eng Technology

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Solvay Mill is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with the ability to apply a wide range of design experiences and mechanical engineering expertise to capital projects throughout the mill operations.

How you will impact WestRock:

• Evaluating the performance of mechanical and electromechanical systems to determine best option for replacement.
• By effectively managing large capital projects, this key role significantly impacts our ongoing ability to improve the productivity of the mill.
• Meet with project stakeholders in various departments to develop project needs and provide ongoing engineering/technical support.
• Establish needs for all aspects of items required to develop, plan, and execute assigned projects such as engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations efforts.
• Develop scope, schedule, and budget plans for assigned projects.
• Prepare and publish detailed, scope, schedule, engineering, construction, and commissioning plans to effectively manage assigned projects.
• Manage required project documentation from project inception through implementation and close out.
• Manage assigned projects to perform within established scope, schedule, and budget targets.
• Prepare and submit project progress reports as required.
• Provide engineering and technical support to mill operations and maintenance departments as requested.
• Identify, plan, solicit, and arrange for all required support services required for assigned projects such as electrical, control, mechanical, civil, and other applicable engineering requirements.
• Identify, plan, solicit, and arrange for all construction and startup services required to support the implementation of assigned projects.
• Occasionally work as requested with larger project teams in a supporting role to facilitate the completion of larger projects.
• Conceptualize, document, distribute, procure, and expedite construction services required for assigned projects.
• Provide mechanical/civil engineering support for other project managers as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you need:

• 5-10 years’ experience in Project Engineering/Construction Management.
• Process and Piping System design a plus.
• Pulp/Paper manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, pumping systems, paper machine auxiliary equipment, and PLC/DCS Controls.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Must possess strong communication and teamwork skills. The ability to achieve results by influencing others and supporting the overall business.
• Ability to prepare and manage projects from conception through development and execution.

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

The salary range for this position is $117,750 - $196,250. The benefits for this role include a bonus plan, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

The salary range for this position is $117,750.00 - $196,250.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.