Plant Engineer Paper Mill

Sustainable Corrugated & Jackson Paper; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Stable manufacturing legacy

Job summary

A sustainable manufacturing company in Sylva is seeking a Plant Engineer to lead the optimization and continuous improvement of their manufacturing lifecycle. The role involves technical leadership in machine upgrades and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 3–5 years of experience in a heavy industrial setting, and expertise in papermaking processes. This position offers competitive salary and benefits along with an opportunity to contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with recycled fiber or OCC is preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD software and familiarity with control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of mechanical upgrades.
• Develop strategies to increase efficiency and speed of operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical expertise in papermaking chemistry

Process optimization

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Pulp and Paper Science

Tools

CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Job description

Position Summary

The Plant Engineer is a technical leader in the Sylva facility. This role is responsible for the optimization, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the entire manufacturing lifecycle—from the intake of recycled fiber (OCC) to the final output of high-quality rollstock, cardboard filler, and liner.

The ideal candidate blends hands‑on mechanical design for machine upgrades and facility repairs with deep analytical expertise in papermaking chemistry and process efficiency. You will ensure that Jackson Paper remains at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing by maximizing yield, ensuring environmental compliance, and maintaining a "Safety First" culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Optimization & Facility Evolution

• Machine Upgrades & Design: Lead the design and implementation of mechanical and structural upgrades to the paper machine. Oversee facility repairs and improvements to ensure the 100‑year‑old infrastructure meets modern production demands.
• Runnability & Speed: Develop strategies to increase paper machine speed and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) without compromising product specifications.
• Efficiency Analysis: Proactively analyze process data to identify bottlenecks, energy consumption leaks, and areas for yield improvement.

2. Recycled Fiber & Stock Preparation

• Pulping & Cleaning: Optimize the pulping, screening, and detrashing processes to maximize fiber recovery and contamination removal.
• Contaminant Control: Implement aggressive strategies to reduce "stickies," plastics, and non‑fibrous contaminants in the stock.
• Water Loop Management: Monitor the white water loop to minimize freshwater intake and optimize wastewater discharge/sludge disposal.

3. Safety, Environmental & Leadership

• Safety Excellence: Integrate safety‑by‑design into all facility repairs and upgrades. Ensure 100% adherence to OSHA standards and mill‑specific safety protocols.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding air, water, and solid waste.
• Strategic Reporting: Manage and report on key process performance indicators (KPIs) to management and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Pulp and Paper Science preferred.
• Experience: 3–5+ years of engineering experience in a heavy industrial, continuous manufacturing environment. Specific experience with recycled fiber or OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in papermaking principles and stock preparation.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) for design and facility layout.
  • Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and process instrumentation.
• Core Competencies: Project Management: Proven ability to lead capital projects from budget/design to installation.
  • Analytical Logic: Skilled in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and systematic troubleshooting.
  • Communication: Able to present complex engineering data clearly to both maintenance crews and executive leadership.

What We Offer

• A pivotal role in a stable, sustainable manufacturing legacy.
• The opportunity to drive large-scale modernization projects for a critical community asset.
• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that prioritizes character, ownership, and technical excellence.