Plant Engineer - Paper Mill

Sustainable Corrugated & Jackson Paper•Sylva, NC

About The Position

The Plant Engineer is a technical leader in the Sylva facility. This role is responsible for the optimization, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the entire manufacturing lifecycle—from the intake of recycled fiber (OCC) to the final output of high-quality rollstock, cardboard filler, and liner. The ideal candidate blends hands-on mechanical design for machine upgrades and facility repairs with deep analytical expertise in papermaking chemistry and process efficiency. You will ensure that Jackson Paper remains at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing by maximizing yield, ensuring environmental compliance, and maintaining a "Safety First" culture.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Pulp and Paper Science preferred.
Experience: 3–5+ years of engineering experience in a heavy industrial, continuous manufacturing environment. Specific experience with recycled fiber or OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) is highly preferred.
Technical Proficiency: Expertise in papermaking principles and stock preparation.
Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) for design and facility layout.
Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and process instrumentation.
Core Competencies: Project Management: Proven ability to lead capital projects from budget/design to installation.
Analytical Logic: Skilled in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and systematic troubleshooting.
Communication: Able to present complex engineering data clearly to both maintenance crews and executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

Specific experience with recycled fiber or OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Facility Evolution
Machine Upgrades & Design: Lead the design and implementation of mechanical and structural upgrades to the paper machine. Oversee facility repairs and improvements to ensure the 100-year-old infrastructure meets modern production demands.
Runnability & Speed: Develop strategies to increase paper machine speed and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) without compromising product specifications.
Efficiency Analysis: Proactively analyze process data to identify bottlenecks, energy consumption leaks, and areas for yield improvement.
Recycled Fiber & Stock Preparation
Pulping & Cleaning: Optimize the pulping, screening, and detrashing processes to maximize fiber recovery and contamination removal.
Contaminant Control: Implement aggressive strategies to reduce "stickies," plastics, and non-fibrous contaminants in the stock.
Water Loop Management: Monitor the white water loop to minimize freshwater intake and optimize wastewater discharge/sludge disposal.
Safety, Environmental & Leadership
Safety Excellence: Integrate safety-by-design into all facility repairs and upgrades. Ensure 100% adherence to OSHA standards and mill-specific safety protocols.
Environmental Stewardship: Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding air, water, and solid waste.
Strategic Reporting: Manage and report on key process performance indicators (KPIs) to management and regulatory bodies.