Process Engineer

Ahlstrom; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom in Wisconsin is seeking an entry-level Process Engineer to join our Technical Team at the Kaukauna mill. You will support production operations by analyzing processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and helping optimize safety, quality, and production.

This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career engineers to gain hands-on experience in a large-scale papermill, with cross-functional collaboration across safety, operations, maintenance, and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 0–2 years of manufacturing experience (internships/co-ops accepted).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to optimize performance, efficiency and quality.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes.
• Support troubleshooting related to equipment, quality issues, and process variability.
• Collect and analyze process data to drive decision-making and reporting.
• Collaborate with safety, operations, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve issues.
• Assist with trials, process changes, and continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, procedures, and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Paper Science

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth. Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere! We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?!?
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated, entry-level Process Engineers to join our Technical Team. In this role, you will support production operations by analyzing processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and helping to optimize safety, quality, and production. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career engineers to build hands-on experience in an integrated Papermill.
Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and quality
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement those improvements.
• Support troubleshooting efforts related to equipment, quality issues, and process variability
• Collect and analyze process data to drive decision-making and reporting
• Collaborate with safety, operations, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve issues
• Assist with trials, process changes, and continuous improvement projects
• Develop and maintain process documentation, procedures, and reports
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial environment (internship/co-op experience preferred)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis tools is a plus
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or co-op experience in pulp & paper, converting, or heavy manufacturing
• Familiarity with process control systems (DCS), SPC, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles
  

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.
About Us.
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.
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