Mill Engineer

Aris Amplify; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aris Amplify seeks a Mill Engineer to lead optimization across the complete papermaking process, from stock prep to finished product. You’ll engineer equipment upgrades, drive reliability and energy efficiency, and partner with operations and maintenance to maximize yield and quality.

You’ll apply analytical methods, supervise capital projects and ensure OSHA/environmental compliance while promoting a safe, continuous-improvement culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Pulp & Paper Science or related field.
• 3–5+ years in a heavy industrial or continuous manufacturing setting.
• Experience in paper manufacturing or recycled fiber operations preferred.
• CAD proficiency for equipment design and facility layout.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and process improvements to equipment and facility infrastructure.
• Improve machine reliability, throughput and OEE across the operation.
• Analyze production data to reduce waste and optimize energy use.
• Support capital projects from planning to implementation.
• Maintain safety, environmental compliance and KPI tracking.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

SPC

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science or related engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

DCS / process controls

Job description

The Mill Engineer serves as a technical leader within a paper manufacturing facility, driving optimization, monitoring and continuous improvement across the entire production process, from raw material intake through finished product output.

This role combines hands-on mechanical engineering for equipment upgrades, reliability improvements and facility maintenance with strong analytical expertise in papermaking processes, chemistry and manufacturing efficiency. The Mill Engineer partners with operations and maintenance teams to maximize production yield, improve product quality, support environmental compliance and foster a safe, continuous improvement-focused manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the design, implementation and execution of mechanical and process improvements to manufacturing equipment and facility infrastructure.


• Identify and implement opportunities to improve machine reliability, production throughput and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).


• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, improve yield and optimize energy efficiency.


• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.

Papermaking & Process Engineering

• Optimize stock preparation, pulping, screening, cleaning and related manufacturing processes to maximize fiber utilization and product quality.


• Develop strategies to reduce contaminants and improve process stability throughout the manufacturing cycle.


• Monitor and optimize water systems, process chemistry and resource utilization to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.


• Partner with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues and implement long-term corrective actions.

Safety, Compliance & Leadership

• Promote a safety-first culture by incorporating safe engineering practices into equipment design, maintenance and process improvements.


• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations and applicable industry standards.


• Track, analyze and report key manufacturing performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.


• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, quality and leadership teams to achieve production, quality and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science or a related engineering discipline preferred.


• Three to five-plus years of engineering experience in a heavy industrial or continuous manufacturing environment.


• Experience in paper manufacturing, recycled fiber processing or similar manufacturing operations is highly preferred.


• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies.


• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD or SolidWorks) for equipment design and facility layout.


• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), process controls and industrial instrumentation.


• Demonstrated experience leading capital improvement projects from planning and design through implementation.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with statistical process control (SPC) and root cause analysis.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to effectively partner with production, maintenance and leadership teams.

Key Strengths

• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement


• Capital Projects & Equipment Reliability


• Mechanical Engineering & Troubleshooting


• Safety, Environmental Compliance & Process Controls