Mechanical Project Engineer

Port Townsend Paper Corporation • Port Townsend, WA

38d • $125,000 - $193,750 • Onsite

About The Position

Port Townsend Paper Company is hiring an on-site Mechanical Project Engineer for its mill in Port Townsend, Washington. This hands-on engineering role focuses on improving and sustaining mill operations by working with both newer and aging infrastructure, leading or supporting capital projects, and contributing to site reliability and efficiency. Placement will be at Engineer I (entry-level), Engineer II (mid-career), or Engineer III (senior-level), based on background and experience.

The position develops and executes capital projects throughout mill operations. The engineer collaborates across teams to identify problems, develop technical solutions, and oversee safe, efficient field execution involving equipment and infrastructure common to industrial environments. Senior-level responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers, leading risk assessments, and contributing to long-range planning.

The position is full-time, non-exempt, and 100% on-site. The stated salary range is $125,000 to $193,500 per year. Vacation is based on experience and ranges from three to five weeks. The posting also lists nine paid holidays, one paid personal holiday per calendar year, a retirement plan, and Employee Assistance coverage with services including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services. Work authorization in the United States is required at hire, and a background check will be conducted before hire. The company is an equal-opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
• Engineer I: 0–5 years of experience; internships or co-op experience are welcome.
• Engineer II: 5–10 years of experience in a heavy industrial, utilities, or manufacturing setting.
• Engineer II: Demonstrated experience delivering projects from design through implementation.
• Engineer II: Firsthand knowledge of machinery and processes common to pulp and paper mills.
• Engineer II: Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments.
• Engineer III: 10 or more years of engineering experience in a pulp/paper mill or similar industrial environment.
• Engineer III: Proven ability to lead multi-phase projects involving mechanical and/or civil components.
• Engineer III: Experience managing vendor relationships, cost tracking, and technical compliance.
• Engineer III: Familiarity with aging equipment and the ability to navigate upgrade-versus-repair decisions.
• Engineer III: Large kraft paper machine experience is required.
• Engineer III: PE license.
• Comfort working in a hands-on environment with complex machinery and systems.
• In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States is required at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Engineer I: Familiarity with gated capital processes for project development and execution.
• Engineer I: AutoCAD skills.
• Engineer II: Experience in the pulp and paper industry.
• Engineer II: Large kraft paper machine experience.
• Engineer II: PE license; preferred but not required.
• Engineer II: AutoCAD proficiency and PM design software experience.
• Engineer III: AutoCAD proficiency and PM design software experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, installation, repair, and/or replacement of mechanical equipment common to the pulp and paper industry.
• Evaluate existing equipment and systems, recommend repairs or upgrades, and/or facilitate this work with qualified consultants.
• Prepare project scopes, drawings, technical specifications, schedules, and budgets.
• Lead or assist in planning and executing shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Investigate equipment failures and root causes, and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Interpret engineering codes and standards applicable to mechanical and civil systems, including ASME standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external contractors, and vendors to execute projects safely, on time, and on budget.
• Maintain and update engineering documentation, including CAD drawings, equipment manuals, and design calculations.
• Participate in plant-wide safety initiatives and ensure engineering practices align with compliance requirements.
• Participate in periodic on-call weekends to support mill operations.
• At senior levels, mentor junior engineers, lead risk assessments, and contribute to long-range planning.

Benefits

• Vacation based on experience, ranging from three to five weeks.
• Nine paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with services including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level