Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine

Domtar; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Supportive working environment

Opportunities for learning and growth

Job summary

A leading pulp and paper manufacturer in Kingsport, TN, seeks a Sr Process Engineer to enhance operational excellence by optimizing paper machine performance. The role requires a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and at least eight years of experience in process troubleshooting. Responsibilities include technical oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a detail-oriented mindset while utilizing lean tools to achieve cost reduction and quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years’ experience in Paper Mill Operations.
• Expert level knowledge for process troubleshooting.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of paper machine operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for process improvements.
• Lead process optimization efforts including chemical usage.

Skills

Troubleshooting skills

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Detail-oriented

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

PARCView

Job description

Overview

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world. Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.

Position

The location in Kingsport, Tennessee, is seeking talent to fill the position of Sr Process Engineer – Paper Machine. This role is full-time and permanent. The incumbent will promote safety, drive quality improvements, support new product development, optimize processes, and pursue cost reduction while supporting the high-performance work system. Utilization of continuous improvement methodologies is essential for efficient problem solving and execution of process improvements. The Process Engineer reports to the Superintendent and helps drive operational excellence by instilling a continuous improvement mindset in the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Effectiveness
  • Provide technical oversight of paper machine operations, ensuring optimal efficiency and product quality
  • Provide technical training to workforce on process improvements and process changes
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (maintenance, production, and quality control) to drive improvements
  • Lead process optimization efforts, including chemical usage, fiber yield, water usage, and steam usage
  • Participate in DMS and utilize data analytics to monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for enhancement
  • Perform mass balances and water balances of unit operations and provide solutions as required
  • Read P&ID drawings
  • Support CAPEX projects, including equipment upgrades and new technology implementation
  • Interact with vendors and collect information to improve productivity and quality
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards
  • Act as technical coach for operations team members, providing training and mentorship
• Process Optimization
  • Identify cost reduction projects and work with teams to achieve results
  • Develop and run chemical trials, process trials and quality trials as required
  • Develop training materials, procedures and charts for operators and communicate effectively
  • Use standard process engineering methods and procedures to work in all aspects of the paper machine
  • Check process control loops for effective operation
  • Participate in shutdown planning and execution as required
  • Perform engineering calculations as required
  • Condense information from manuals and drawings and explain to mill operators
• Quality
  • Work with management and operational work teams to utilize the human performance improvement (HPI) process, identifying root-cause off-quality events and driving permanent solutions
  • Organize and track solutions in Enablon system (mill-wide database)
  • Develop techniques and processes to improve quality
  • Respond to customer complaints when required
• Continuous Improvement
  • Utilize lean tools (6 Sigma, DMAIC, FMEA, etc.) to lead team efforts on continuous improvement projects
  • Perform RCPE as required
  • Develop and implement process control strategies to enhance machine performance and reduce variability
  • Be willing to explore machine learning principles
• Safety
  • Be a safety advocate, lead by example
  • Drive team efforts to identify root causes of issues, develop permanent corrective actions, document in mill-wide database
• Suppliers / External Technical Resources
  • Interface with external technical resources and suppliers to initiate cost reduction, quality enhancement, and process improvement trials

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field from an accredited university
• Minimum eight (8) years’ experience utilizing expert level knowledge for process troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving in Paper Mill Operations

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven high level of troubleshooting skills — analytical, critical thinking and problem solving
• Advanced experience, knowledge and understanding of safe work practices
• Experience identifying process changes and improvements
• Ability to prioritize and make sound decisions, and resolve issues efficiently and effectively
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various departments and individuals (internal and external)
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to multi-task
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Results focused and detail-oriented
• Excellent computer skills - working knowledge of PARCView and SAP would be an asset
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to present his/her work to all levels of management

Critical Competencies for Success

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels within the Mill as well as suppliers / external technical resources
• Ability to prioritize time and multi-task
• Experience in process engineering with focus on high-speed paper machines
• Excellent computer skills
• Interpretation and application of a collective bargaining agreement
• Good working knowledge of mill operations
• Experience in 100% Recycle Mill
• Experience in paper machine & winder Start Up & Optimization

You will be required to successfully complete a selection process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a fitness-for-duty test (for some positions).

Domtar is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team.

To learn more about our company, consult the Domtar Company Web Site and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.