Process Engineer II

Smurfit Westrock; Louisiana; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking an experienced Technical Process Engineer to optimize mill processes and support safety, environmental, and quality goals. You will partner with Operations, Quality, and Environmental teams to drive improvements using data-driven methods.

The role emphasizes Lean/Six Sigma, process analytics, and reliable reporting through PI System and Power BI in a manufacturing setting. A Bachelor's in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field.
• 3–7+ years of manufacturing/process engineering experience preferred.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, or Operational Excellence programs is desired.

Responsibilities

• Analyze mill process performance data to identify opportunities for safety, quality, production, shipping, and environmental improvements.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and digital solutions.
• Conduct root cause analyses of process disruptions, quality issues, and losses.
• Develop action plans to achieve sustainable improvements and operational excellence.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams to implement and sustain improvements.
• Maintain PI System, Ekho, and dashboards to support decision-making.
• Develop KPIs and performance metrics; prepare technical reports for leadership.
• Assist with environmental compliance efforts related to water, energy, emissions, and waste.
• Maintain process documentation and SOPs; ensure changes are communicated organization-wide.

Skills

Process Optimization

Data Analysis

Root Cause Analysis

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Safety Leadership

Project Management

Communication Skills

Initiative

Accountability

Results Orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PI System

Ekho

Power BI

Excel

Job description

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.
• Technical Problem Solving
• Process Optimization
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Project Management
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Initiative and Accountability
• Safety Leadership
• Results Orientation

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.