Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine

Domtar Corporation; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; 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 is seeking a Sr Process Engineer to oversee paper machine operations in Kingsport, TN. The role involves optimizing processes, ensuring product quality, and leading safety initiatives. Candidates should possess a BS in Chemical Engineering or related field, with at least 8 years of experience in Paper Mill Operations. The position requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and familiarity with lean tools. Opportunities for career development are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years’ experience in Paper Mill Operations.
• Proven troubleshooting skills and ability to prioritize.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of paper machine operations.
• Lead process optimization efforts and ensure compliance.
• Utilize lean tools to identify improvement projects.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Critical thinking

Process optimization

Communication

Lean tools (6 Sigma, DMAIC, FMEA)

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field

Tools

PARCView

SAP

Job description

Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine

Location: Kingsport, TN, US, 37660

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.

The location in Kingsport, TN is seeking talent to fill the position of Sr Process Engineer – Paper Machine. This role’s primary responsibilities include promoting safety, quality improvements, new product development, process optimization, and cost reduction while supporting the high-performance work system. Utilization of continuous improvement methodologies is essential in this role 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
  • Must be able to perform Mass Balances & Water Balances of unit operations & provide solutions as required
  • Must be able to read P&ID’s
  • Support CAPEX projects, including equipment upgrades & new technology implementation
  • Interact with vendors and collect information to improve productivity & 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 & communicate effectively
  • Use standard process engineering methods and procedures to work in all aspects of the paper machine
  • Able to check process control loops for effective operation
  • Participate in shutdown planning and execution as required
  • Must be able to perform engineering calculations as required
  • Able to condense information from manuals and drawings and explain to the 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 & processes to improve quality
  • Must be able to answer customer complaints when required
• Utilize lean tools (6 Sigma, DMAIC, FMEA, etc.) to assist with leading team efforts to identify continuous improvement projects
• Perform RCPE as required
• Develop and implement process control strategies to enhance machine performance and reduce variability.
• Willing to explore machine learning principles
• Safety
  • Be a safety advocate, lead by example
  • Drive team efforts to identify root cause of issues, develop permanent corrective actions, document in mill-wide database, and provide
• 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
• 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

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 Disability Act of 1990.