Process Engineer - Recycled Papermill

Smurfit Westrock; Dublin (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Process Engineer to manage technical projects, drive continuous improvement, and support mill operations with data-driven decision-making. The role focuses on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

You will collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering, provide analytical support, and deploy PI-based analytics to optimize process performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Engineering, or Paper Science.
• 4+ years of experience in a process engineering role.
• Experience in the paper or related industry preferred.
• PI Training preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication of technical data across departments.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate across mill teams, EMS, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects for product and process problem-solving and improvements.
• Provide analytical support to mill departments to reach goals via continuous improvement.
• Improve operating efficiency and reduce waste and variation.
• Partner with operations, maintenance and engineering to meet process targets.
• Deploy Lean Six Sigma methods to reduce waste and stabilize processes.
• Set up trials, MOC’s, trial plans and PAS documentation, report findings.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Engineering, or Paper Science

Tools

PI Server

Aveva PI System

PI Vision

Microsoft Office

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 Process Engineer is responsible for managing technical projects aimed at product and process problem-solving and/or improvements, cost reduction, and profitability enhancements.

Process engineers provide technical assistance to each of the mill’s departments to achieve the mill’s goals and objectives through deployment of continuous improvement processes.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Improve operating efficiency and performance while minimizing process variation. Reduce or eliminate waste-generating streams.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and engineering to understand targeted mill processes. Seek to assist teams with achieving system design.
• Provide operators, operations leadership, engineering and other resources with analytical support and problem-solving services.
• Drive continuous process improvement deploying Lean Six Sigma principles, tools and procedures.
• Close the gaps in production inefficiencies by reducing variances of process inputs, flow, and performance targeting sustainable costs and profitability.
• Deploy Lean Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and process variation with the intent to make our processes stable and predictable.
• Use appropriate technical tools and instrumentation to gather field data.
• Serve as the owner and subject matter expert for OSI PI Server and Aveva PI System.
• Use the system support tools to provide analyses and process graphics. Develop, deploy and train personnel in the use of specific PI Vision pages.
• Troubleshoot specific unit operations around the mill to determine possible improvements.
• Set up trials, MOC’s, trial plans, and PAS documentation. Take ownership of results by summarizing and reporting findings, publishing and communicating conclusions and recommendations, and following-up action items.
• Develop and apply technical expertise to become a specific subject matter expert.
• Willingness to learn how to lead mil personnel as a shift operations manager, from time to time.

What You Need To Succeed

• Chemical Engineering or Paper Engineering and Paper Science, or related bachelor’s degree.
• 4+ years of experience in a process engineering role preferred
• Work experience in the paper or related industry is preferred.
• PI Training is preferred
• Proficient computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office – Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Ability to communicate technical data and statistics in verbal, written, and presentation styles effectively across all departments and levels of personnel.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate across all relevant internal mill colleagues, with corporate EMS teams, and with OEM / materials vendors.
• Demonstrated time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Deliver presentations to operations team and leadership providing an executive-level summary of Process Excellence projects.

Keywords: Process Engineer, process engineering, chemical engineer, chemical engineering, recycled paper, recycle mill, paper mill, OCC, process improvement, data analysis, SOP, chemical trials, paper science, paper machine, paper machines, kraft paper, PI, containerboard, linerboard, liner, box board, paperboard, corrugated medium, medium, paper mill, paper, lean, six sigma, troubleshooting

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.