Production Engineer, Fiber

Ahlstrom-5; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom is seeking a Production Engineer to support the Production Manager in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Fiber Department, collaborating with operations, maintenance, environmental, and technical teams to optimize processes.

You will analyze data, troubleshoot issues, lead improvement projects, provide technical guidance, and help meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets, including outage support and annual planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication; able to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related Office tools.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support the Production Manager in safe, reliable, and efficient Fiber Department operation.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, environmental and technical teams to optimize processes.
• Analyze process data, troubleshoot issues, and lead improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, training materials, and documentation.
• Assist with production planning, budgeting, and incident investigations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to operating teams; support outages and planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Excel

Attention to detail

Education

Chemical Engineering

Pulp & Paper Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Related engineering discipline / practical experience in paper industry

Tools

JDE

PI System

DCS platforms

Job description

Requisition ID5829-Posted09/23/2026-Protective Materials-Technical Materials BU-Thilmany Plant-Kaukauna- Posting Country (1)

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?!?

The Production Engineer serves as a key resource supporting the Production Manager in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Fiber Department. This role works closely with operations, maintenance, environmental, and technical teams to optimize production processes, improve department performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will analyze operational data, troubleshoot process issues, lead improvement projects, and provide technical support to help achieve department goals related to safety, quality, productivity, environmental compliance, and cost management. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an engineer seeking to develop leadership skills and gain broad exposure to mill operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Production Manager in overseeing the daily operation and performance of the Fiber Department.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Monitor department performance indicators and identify opportunities for improvements in safety, quality, production, reliability, and cost.
• Assist in developing and implementing operating strategies to meet department and mill objectives.
• Analyze process data and operational trends to identify root causes of performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Work collaboratively with operators, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and technical resources to resolve operational challenges.
• Support outage planning, capital projects, and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and improve operating procedures, process documentation, and training materials.
• Assist with production planning, reporting, and departmental budgeting activities.
• Participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Support environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives within the department.
• Participate in the weekend duty rotation to provide support for facility operations during weekends and holidays.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to operating teams as needed.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related engineering discipline, or an equivalent knowledge through practical experience in the paper industry.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will not require current or future sponsorship for employment.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Experience in pulp, paper, fiber processing, chemical manufacturing, or other industrial operations.
• Knowledge of fiberline operations, pulping processes, screening, washing, bleaching, or chemical recovery systems.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with JDE, PI System, DCS platforms, or other manufacturing systems.
• Previous engineering internship, co-op, or manufacturing experience.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing environment.
• Frequent interaction with production operations and equipment in an industrial setting.
• Occasional after-hours support during outages, startups, or operational events may be required.

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.