Senior Project Engineering Manager - Pulp & Paper

WestRock Company; Roanoke Rapids (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Roanoke Rapids Mill seeks a Project Engineering Department Lead to drive capital projects and process improvements in a safety‑critical mill setting.

You will manage internal and external engineering resources, oversee budgets, and coordinate with Legal, Purchasing, and Corporate Engineering on larger initiatives. The role reports to the Mill Maintenance and Engineering Manager, emphasizing asset reliability and sustainable performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, paper, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering or capital project experience in the pulp and paper industry.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing technical and professional employees.
• Experience managing capital projects and cross-functional project teams.
• Working knowledge of pulp, paper, utilities, and power generation processes.
• Ability to apply engineering judgment and support projects beyond primary discipline.
• Knowledge of sustainability and environmental compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, prioritization, and execution of capital projects and major equipment upgrades.
• Manage capital budget and project portfolio with forecasts and financial reporting.
• Coordinate internal engineering resources, contractors, OEMs, and external firms.
• Provide technical oversight for equipment purchases and system upgrades.
• Partner with Operations to improve asset reliability, uptime, and performance.
• Establish engineering goals, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop engineering talent and foster accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Continuous improvement

People development

Safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, paper, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

PI ProcessBook

PI Vision

JD Edwards

Job description

Smurfit Westrock Roanoke Rapids Mill seeks a Project Engineering Department Lead to drive capital projects and process improvements in a safety‑critical mill setting.

You will manage internal and external engineering resources, oversee budgets, and coordinate with Legal, Purchasing, and Corporate Engineering on larger initiatives. The role reports to the Mill Maintenance and Engineering Manager, emphasizing asset reliability and sustainable performance.