Prin Eng, Reliability Eng

WestRock Company; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Company is searching for a Senior Metallurgical Engineer based in Richmond, Virginia. This role is crucial in providing technical support across multiple regions while ensuring safe operations and reliability within mills. The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science, along with 10+ years of experience in the pulp and paper industry. Strong problem-solving and communication skills, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office, are essential. The position involves significant travel of up to 70%, requiring fieldwork in dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the Pulp and Paper industry.
• Knowledge of pressure vessel inspection and corrosion mechanisms.
• Strong proficiency with troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
• Support mill reliability initiatives and asset performance.
• Conduct root cause failure analyses to prevent equipment failures.

Skills

Troubleshooting skills

Communication Skills

Customer-focused approach

Ability to analyze operating failures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

Microsoft Office tools

Job description

Senior Metallurgical Engineer Position Description

As part of the Materials Technical and Innovation (MTI) group, the Senior Metallurgical Engineer provides technical support to ensure safe and environmentally sound operations with the greatest return on investment regarding quality, cost and production. This position provides technical support to our North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific Mills. Travel is required.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

The Senior Metallurgical Engineer supports mill reliability and asset performance by:

• Contributing to root cause failure analyses that prevent recurring equipment failures
• Supporting materials and corrosion evaluations critical to safe, reliable operation
• Enabling consistent application of metallurgical standards and guidelines across mills
• Providing hands‑on technical assistance during outages and audits

This role plays a key part in improving asset availability, predictability, and lifecycle cost through disciplined technical analysis and collaboration with mill teams.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Reliability Support

• Support cultural improvement in safety, inclusion, and engagement by serving as a role model for Smurfit Westrock Vision/Values/Behaviors.
• Promote and follow Company and Mill safe work practices and procedures
• Support reliability initiatives aimed at maximizing mill asset availability, efficiency, and predictability.
• Provide on‑site materials and engineering assistance during major mill outages.
• Perform evaluation and root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on components received from paper mills and develop actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Facilitate the transfer of Best Practices/Technology between the mills.
• Assist in materials selection to address corrosion mechanisms encountered in pulp and paper mill environments.
• Provide metallurgical and materials engineering support during:
  • Power and Recovery Boiler audits
  • Non‑fired pressure vessel and tank audits
• Develop new and updating existing corporate guidelines as necessary for the continued reliability of Mill’s assets.
• Keep abreast of non‑destructive testing methods and applications

Standards, Guidelines & Technical Development

• Develop working knowledge of Smurfit Westrock Corporate Guidelines and have a current working knowledge of the following industry standards:
  • ASME Code Books
  • National Board Inspection Code (NBIC)
  • American Petroleum Institute (API) Codes
  • American Welding Society (AWS) Standards
  • Black Liquor Recovery Boiler Advisory Committee (BLRBAC) guidance
• Learn and apply laboratory equipment and processes used to prepare and analyze metallurgical samples.
• Utilize data and analysis to support reliability improvement efforts and technical recommendations.

Safety, Culture & Collaboration

• Act as a role model for Smurfit Smurfit Westrock’s Vision, Values, and Behaviors.
• Promote and follow all company and mill safety policies and procedures.
• Support a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with mill personnel, reliability engineers, and other MTI stakeholders.

Skills & Qualifications

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science (required)
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the Pulp and Paper industry or other industrial work environment.
• General knowledge of:
  • Pressure Vessel (fired and non-fired) and Tank Inspection
  • Corrosion mechanisms and mitigation
  • Materials properties
  • Failure analysis techniques
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Problem Solving & Execution

• Strong troubleshooting skills with a focus on root cause and long‑term solutions
• Ability to analyze operating failures and develop sustainable corrective actions
• Results‑oriented mindset with attention to detail and safety

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to communicate and coordinate across multiple organizational levels and functions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Customer‑focused approach when supporting mills and internal stakeholders

Adaptability & Personal Effectiveness

• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast‑changing operational environments
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Willingness to work in an on‑call environment, including occasional weekends
• Self‑directed, flexible, and eager to learn
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills
• Effective working independently and within team‑based environments

Travel & Work Environment

• Expected travel up to ~70% to support mill sites, outages, and audits
• On‑site and field‑based work required, including exposure to industrial environments and laboratory settings