Sr. Process Engineer

Ahlstrom-5; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom seeks a Senior Process Engineer to lead process optimization across fiber lines, chemical recovery, and paper machine operations to maximize yield and reduce costs. You will serve as a key technical resource to help solve issues in our integrated pulp and paper mill.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in manufacturing process engineering, strong analytical and leadership skills, and experience with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Paper Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of manufacturing process engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement and optimization initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies and continuous improvement tools.
• Excellent communication, project management, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with process data analysis and manufacturing performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify performance gaps, and develop solutions to optimize operational efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership and support to operations teams during troubleshooting, process upsets, and root cause investigations.
• Develop process models, operating standards, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead and support capital projects, including process design, equipment selection, startup, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and implement new technologies and best practices.
• Utilize statistical analysis and process data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action development for process-related issues.
• Mentor and develop engineers and technical personnel within the department.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards.
• Prepare technical reports, project updates, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Support long-term strategic planning through identification of operational and process improvement opportunities.

Skills

Process optimization

Root cause analysis

Project management

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Paper Science, or related

Tools

Statistical analysis

Manufacturing performance metrics

Job description

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?!?

We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join our Technical Team at our integrated pulp and paper mill. In this role, you will lead process optimization initiatives across fiber lines, chemical recovery, and paper machine operations to maximize yield and reduce costs. You will serve as a key technical resource to help solve issues. If you possess an understanding of Kraft pulp mill chemistry and paper manufacturing, join us to spearhead our next generation of efficiency improvements.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong problem-solving skills, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to manage complex projects from concept through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify performance gaps, and develop solutions to optimize operational efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership and support to operations teams during troubleshooting, process upsets, and root cause investigations.
• Develop process models, operating standards, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead and support capital projects, including process design, equipment selection, startup, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and implement new technologies and best practices.
• Utilize statistical analysis and process data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action development for process-related issues.
• Mentor and develop engineers and technical personnel within the department.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards.
• Prepare technical reports, project updates, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Support long-term strategic planning through identification of operational and process improvement opportunities.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Paper Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of manufacturing process engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement and optimization initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies and continuous improvement tools.
• Excellent communication, project management, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with process data analysis and manufacturing performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications includes:

• Experience in the paper, pulp, converting, or related manufacturing industries.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience leading capital projects and cross-functional teams.

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.