Process Engineer II

Smurfit Westrock; East Hodge (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in the United States seeks a Technical Process Engineer to optimize mill operations, improve safety, quality, reliability and cost effectiveness through data analysis and Lean Six Sigma approaches.

You will partner with Operations, Quality and Environmental teams to implement improvements, develop dashboards and ensure compliance, while documenting changes for mill leadership and ongoing operating excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing/process engineering experience in related industry.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze mill process performance data to identify safety, quality, production, shipping and environmental improvement opportunities.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methods.
• Develop and maintain process dashboards and performance metrics using PI, Ekho, Power BI, and Excel.
• Support environmental compliance efforts related to water, energy, emissions, waste, and chemical management.
• Maintain process documentation, operating procedures, and technical specifications; assist with reporting systems (DMR, QA/QC).

Skills

Process engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Safety leadership

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PI System

Ekho

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Technical Process Engineer is an intermediate level position that provides technical leadership and process engineering support to optimize mill operations and improve safety, environmental performance, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost effectiveness. This position applies engineering principles, process data analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies to identify opportunities, solve operational challenges, and implement sustainable solutions across the manufacturing process.

Working within the Technical, Environmental and Shipping Department, the Technical Process Engineer partners closely with Operations, Quality, and Environmental teams to monitor process performance, develop and execute improvement initiatives, standardize best practices, and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements. The role supports both short-term operational excellence and long-term strategic objectives through technical expertise, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

This position serves as a key technical resource for advancing operational and quality excellence, environmental sustainability, and continuous improvement across the mill.

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze mill process performance data to identify opportunities for improvements in safety, quality, production, shipping, and environmental performance.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies including digital solutions.
• Conduct root cause analysis of process disruptions, quality issues, operational losses, and overall performance concerns.
• Develop recommendations and action plans to achieve sustainable process improvements and operational excellence.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams in implementing and sustaining process improvements.

Technical Data Analysis

• Maintain and utilize process information systems, including PI, Ekho, and other data platforms, to monitor and improve process performance.
• Build, update, and maintain process dashboards, reports, and visualization tools to support operational decision-making.
• Develop and maintain key process indicators and performance metrics.

Environmental & Compliance Support

• Assist with environmental compliance efforts related to water, energy, air emissions, waste reduction, and chemical management.
• Collaborate with Environmental personnel to identify opportunities for improved environmental performance and compliance.

Documentation & Systems Management

• Maintain accurate process documentation, engineering standards, operating procedures, and technical specifications.
• Provides secondary support for reporting management systems (e.g., Discharge Monitoring Reporting (DMR), Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC)) through documentation updates, audits, process standardization, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure process changes are appropriately documented and communicated throughout the organization.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for mill leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.

Experience

• 3-7+ years of manufacturing, process engineering, pulp and paper, or related industrial experience preferred.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence programs preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of pulp and paper manufacturing processes and operations preferred.
• Knowledge of process optimization, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with PI System, Ekho, Microsoft Power BI, Excel, or similar data analytics tools preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO standards, environmental compliance requirements, and sustainability initiatives preferred.
• Working knowledge of process engineering principles.

Key Competencies

• Technical Problem Solving
• Process Optimization
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Continuous Improvement Leadership
• Project Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Initiative and Accountability
• Safety Leadership
• Environmental Stewardship
• Results Orientation

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.