Principal Engineer

Clearwater Paper Corporation; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive plan

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Clearwater Paper Corporation is seeking a Principal Engineer to serve as the primary SME for paperboard production across multiple machines and product grades. You will drive asset reliability, lead capital projects, and collaborate with plant teams to improve productivity and efficiency.

The role requires strong engineering leadership, experience in the pulp and paper industry, and a track record of managing budgets and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in paper machine production, process engineering, and manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience managing project and/or operating budgets.
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary SME for paper machine operations and process improvements using lean methods.
• Develop and execute long-term paper machine strategies and capital projects.
• Lead cross-functional collaborations to support strategic initiatives and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate with contractors to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Support product quality systems and process documentation to ensure consistent product quality.

Skills

Project management

Process engineering

Budget management

Pulp and paper industry knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Business intelligence tools

Automated manufacturing systems

Job description

The Principal Engineer role serves as the primary subject matter expert in paperboard production across a diverse portfolio of paper machines and product grades. In collaboration with plant and paper machine teams, the position develops and deploys asset reliability strategies integrating technical support, product development, quality, and predictive maintenance to improve productivity and operating efficiency. The role provides technical leadership for short- and long-term process improvement and capital projects spanning machine performance, environmental initiatives, and safety, while strengthening operational, maintenance, outage, technical analysis, and engineering capabilities across the organization.

Essential Functions

Technical & Operational Consultation

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert to identify and resolve paper machine operational and process improvement opportunities using lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Research, evaluate, and develop process improvement and capital projects to enhance paperboard production and support product development
• Collaborate across the organization to provide technical expertise, align stakeholders, and support strategic initiatives
• Develop and execute project plans supporting long-term paper machine strategies
• Coordinate with contractors and service providers to deliver projects and services on time and within budget

Continuous Improvement & Asset Strategy

• Champion continuous improvement through process optimization, maintenance standards, and engineering best practices
• Support product quality systems and process documentation to deliver consistent products that meet customer and business requirements
• Partner with commercial and manufacturing teams to identify market opportunities by aligning asset capabilities with customer needs
• Communicate, implement, and sustain best practices across manufacturing locations
• Manage chemical and clothing vendor programs in partnership with procurement and manufacturing to support operational performance

Technical Influence & Knowledge Sharing

• Foster an operating environment that promotes employee engagement and organizational values
• Drive technical collaboration and knowledge sharing across manufacturing and engineering teams
• Develop, transfer, and sustain technical and quality knowledge across departments to strengthen operational capability
• Support technical capability development through coaching, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration
• Promote standardized engineering and operating practices to improve long-term performance and reliability
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required
• 7+ years of progressive experience in paper machine production, process engineering, and manufacturing
• 5+ years of experience managing project and/or operating budgets
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry
• Experience in manufacturing, commercial (sales), and/or vendor management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, business intelligence tools, and automated manufacturing and business systems

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing and operational areas, including eye and hearing protection, hard hat, and steel-toed footwear
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, odors, temperature variations, and industrial conditions
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling as required by the role
• Extended periods of standing, walking, and working on concrete or uneven surfaces
• Climbing stairs, ladders, platforms, or elevated work areas as required by the role

We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. This position is eligible for our Incentive Plan. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and geographic location. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off will include vacation days, personal days, and company holidays.

Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

This role will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks or at the point a successful candidate is selected.