Sr. Electrical Engineer

WestRock Company; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead design, development, and implementation of electrical and control systems for high-performance industrial equipment in the paperboard converting sector.

The role is remote with 60%+ travel for on-site commissioning and customer engagement. Requires strong NEC/NFPA 70E, power distribution, and switchgear expertise, plus at least 7 years in industrial environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required.
• 7+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience in industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in NEC and NFPA 70E compliance.
• Industrial power distribution and switchgear design.
• Development and interpretation of single-line schematics.
• Strong machine control systems background.
• Knowledge of web handling, tension control, and electronic registration systems.
• CAD tools proficiency (AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work remotely.
• Willingness to travel 60% or more.

Responsibilities

• 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 electrical codes and safety standards, including NEC, NFPA 70E, CE, CSA.
• Architect and support control systems for high-speed paperboard converting equipment.
• Apply and optimize machine control theory including web tension control, electronic registration systems, and safety systems.
• Develop, review, and maintain electrical schematics and CAD documentation for plant equipment arrangements.
• Support system integration, FAT, field commissioning activities, and SAT.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and control system issues remotely and on-site.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and project management teams.
• Engage directly with customers, vendors, and stakeholders on technical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff.

Skills

NEC & NFPA 70E

Industrial power distribution

Switchgear design

Single-line schematics

Machine control systems

Remote/independent work

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

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