Sr. Electrical Engineer

Smurfit Westrock; Jacksonville (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design and control systems for high-performance industrial equipment in the paperboard converting sector. The role is remote with 60%+ travel for commissioning, FAT/SAT, and customer engagement.

Requirements include a BSEE, 7+ years in industrial environments, and strong knowledge of NEC/NFPA 70E, power distribution, switchgear, and machine control. CAD proficiency and remote collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required.
• 7+ years in industrial electrical engineering.
• NEC and NFPA 70E compliance expertise.
• Industrial power distribution and switchgear design.
• Single-line schematics development and interpretation.
• Machine control systems and web tension control knowledge.
• Strong remote-work and travel ability (60%+).

Responsibilities

• Lead design of electrical power distribution systems and switchgear.
• Develop and validate single-line schematics.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA 70E, CE, CSA.
• Architect control systems for high-speed paperboard equipment.
• Apply machine control theory including web tension and registration.
• Prepare detailed CAD documentation and FAT/SAT support.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical/control issues remotely and on-site.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and project management.
• Mentor junior engineers and communicate with customers and vendors.

Skills

Power distribution

Switchgear design

Single-line schematics

Electrical CAD

NEC compliance

NFPA 70E

Machine control

Safety interlocks

Project leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

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.

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.

Senior Electrical Engineer

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly qualified Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated electrical and control systems supporting high-performance industrial equipment, specifically within the paperboard converting sector. This role requires a strong technical foundation in power distribution, machine control systems, and regulatory compliance, along with the ability to execute projects in a dynamic, customer-facing environment. This position is remote and requires 60% or greater travel to support on-site commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer engagement activities.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Lead the design and engineering of electrical power distribution systems,
• including switchgear configurations for industrial applications
• Develop, interpret, and validate single-line schematics to ensure accurate system design and integration
• Ensure full compliance with applicable electrical codes and safety standards, including NEC (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E, CE, and CSA
• Architect and support control systems for high-speed paperboard converting equipment, applying advanced engineering principles
• Apply and optimize machine control theory, including:
  • Web tension control systems
  • Electronic registration systems
  • Functional and machine safety systems
• Develop, review, and maintain accurate and detailed electrical schematics, CAD documentation, including general arrangement of equipment in the plants
• Support system integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), field commissioning activities, and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and control system issues both remotely and on-site
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and project management teams to drive project execution
• Engage directly with customers, vendors, and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on technical deliverables
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineering staff as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) (required)
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering within industrial or manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated expertise in:
• NEC and NFPA 70E compliance
• Industrial power distribution systems
• Switchgear design and application
• Development and interpretation of single-line schematics
• Strong background in machine control systems and continuous process equipment
• Proven knowledge of control theory related to:
• Web handling and tension control
• Electronic registration systems
• Industrial safety controls and interlock systems
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote environment while managing multiple priorities
• Willingness and ability to travel 60% or more

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification strongly preferred
• Prior experience in paperboard, packaging, or converting industries
• Familiarity with PLC, HMI, and industrial automation platforms
• Exposure to international standards (e.g., IEC, CE, CSA, PackML) is a plus

Work Environment

• Remote/home-based role requiring a high degree of self-direction
• Frequent travel to industrial manufacturing sites and customer locations (60%+)
• Work performed in both office and industrial production environments

Core Competencies

• Advanced technical expertise and analytical problem-solving
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Project ownership, accountability, and execution discipline
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance
• Adaptability within a fast-paced, travel-intensive role

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work

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.