Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Smurfit Westrock plc; Winton (WA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in the United States seeks an Electrical Project Engineer - Power to lead a portfolio of capital projects safely, meeting budget, schedule and technical goals for 15kV/490V distribution systems at the mill. You will coordinate cross‑functional teams and manage contractors, supporting operations and maintenance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and 10–15 years of industrial electrical engineering and project management experience, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 10–15 years of industrial electrical engineering and project management experience.
• Strong leadership, ethical standards, and commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and quality.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects with budgeting and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication with cross-team collaboration.
• Proficient in industry software such as Accelerator, Drive Composer, EasyPower, RS Logix and Studio 5000.
• Ability to understand NEC codes and review arc flash, short circuit, coordination and protection studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing a portfolio of capital projects.
• Serve as the primary technical and project interface between engineering and operations/maintenance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, construction, operations, contractors, and vendors.
• Select, lead, and manage multiple consulting and contractor resources.
• Provide mentorship to junior electrical engineers and interns.
• Lead all aspects of conceptual and preliminary design and scope development.
• Develop statements of work for consulting and contractor work.
• Prepare project documents (cost estimates, schedules, execution plans) throughout gated development.
• Lead equipment and system selection, procurement, installation, checkout, and commissioning.
• Manage project risks, procurement activities, contractor coordination, and construction execution.
• Ensure management-of-change plan and on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Participate in post-startup tracking and evaluation of results and returns.
• Prepare and track project forecasts, accruals and capitalization.
• Lead system upgrades, migrations, and industrial automation projects.
• Review HV/MV/LV packages for transformers, switchgear, motors, VFDs, MCCs, PLCs, UPS, DC systems.
• Review and interpret power studies including Arc Flash, relay coordination, load flow, and short circuit analyses.
• Coordinate field installation, testing, energization, and commissioning activities with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Accelerator

Drive Composer

EasyPower

RS Logix

Studio 5000

Job description

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.

The opportunity:

The Electrical Project Engineer - Poweris primarily responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of capital projects safely to meet budget, schedule, and technical objectives at the mill related to electrical power (15kv/490v power distribution systems) including transformers, switchgears, breakers, MCCs, and SCADA systems. The Project Engineer will also provide technical assistance to Manufacturing and Maintenance.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

This list identifies the essential functions. As with all jobs, all duties and responsibilities are not listed, and will vary based upon the department, team, and business needs.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of a portfolio of capital projects.
• Serve as the primary technical and project interface between engineering and operations/maintenance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, construction, operations, contractors, and vendors.
• Select, lead, and manage multiple consulting and contractor resources.
• Provide mentorship to junior electrical engineers and interns.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead all aspects of conceptual & preliminary design and core team selection and scope development.
• Develop detailed Statements of Work for all consulting and contractor work.
• Develop all required documents (cost estimate, schedule, project execution plan, etc.) throughout the gated capital development/approval process for each project.
• Lead all aspects of equipment and system selection, procurement, installation, checkout, and commissioning.
• Manage project risks, procurement activities, contractor coordination, and construction execution.
• Ensure management-of-change plan is completed.
• Ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and according to quality standards.
• Participate in post-startup tracking & evaluation of results and returns.
• Prepare and track project forecasts, accruals and capitalization

Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Maintain safe and clean working environment by enforcing procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Follow mill’s safety protocols in addition to following state and federal safety laws and regulations.
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations.

Electrical Engineering Responsibilities

• Lead system upgrades, migrations, modernization initiatives, and industrial automation projects while supporting engineering and troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems.
• Lead and review HV/MV/LV electrical design packages for transformers, switchgear, motors, VFDs, MCCs, PLCs, UPS, and DC systems.
• Review and interpret power studies including Arc Flash, relay coordination, load flow, and short circuit analyses.
• Coordinate field installation, testing, energization, and commissioning activities with all stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and all applicable electrical codes, including NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and related regulations.

What you need:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 10–15 years of industrial electrical engineering and project management experience, preferably in the pulp and paper industry.
• Strong leadership, high ethical standards, and an uncompromising commitment to worker safety, regulatory compliance, and quality.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, including accurate budgeting, forecasting, and meeting deadlines with urgency and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to draw fact‑based conclusions and present information clearly while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, supported by proficient computer skills
• Proficient in industry software such as Accelerator, Drive Composer, EasyPower, RS Logix and Studio 5000 etc. to support design, analysis, and troubleshooting activities.
• Able to understand, review NEC codes and approve arc flash, short circuit, coordination and protection design studies.

Compensation and benefits:

The salary range for this position is $117,750 - $196,250. The benefits for this role include a bonus plan, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.

The salary range for this position is $117,750.00 - $196,250.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.

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.