Process Engineer II

Smurfit Westrock•Hodge, LA

About The Position

The Technical Process Engineer is an intermediate-level role providing technical leadership and process engineering support to optimize mill operations and improve safety, environmental performance, quality, reliability, productivity, and cost effectiveness. The position applies engineering principles, process data analysis, and continuous improvement methods to identify opportunities, address operational challenges, and implement sustainable solutions across manufacturing processes. Working within the Technical, Environmental and Shipping Department, the engineer partners with Operations, Quality, and Environmental teams to monitor process performance, develop and execute improvement initiatives, standardize best practices, and support compliance with company and regulatory requirements. The role contributes to short-term operational excellence and long-term strategic objectives through technical expertise, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. It serves as a technical resource for operational and quality excellence, environmental sustainability, and continuous improvement across the mill.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Knowledge of process optimization, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
Working knowledge of process engineering principles.
Technical problem-solving skills.
Process optimization skills.
Data analysis and interpretation skills.
Continuous improvement leadership skills.
Project management skills.
Root cause analysis skills.
Communication and presentation skills.
Cross-functional collaboration skills.
Initiative and accountability.
Safety leadership.
Environmental stewardship.
Results orientation.

Nice To Haves

3–7+ years of manufacturing, process engineering, pulp and paper, or related industrial experience.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence programs.
Understanding of pulp and paper manufacturing processes and operations.
Experience with PI System, Ekho, Microsoft Power BI, Excel, or similar data analytics tools.
Familiarity with ISO standards, environmental compliance requirements, and sustainability initiatives.

Responsibilities

Analyze mill process performance data to identify improvement opportunities in safety, quality, production, shipping, and environmental performance.
Lead and support process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, other continuous improvement methods, and digital solutions.
Conduct root cause analysis of process disruptions, quality issues, operational losses, and performance concerns.
Develop recommendations and action plans for sustainable process improvements and operational excellence.
Facilitate cross-functional teams in implementing and sustaining process improvements.
Maintain and use process information systems, including PI, Ekho, and other data platforms, to monitor and improve process performance.
Build, update, and maintain process dashboards, reports, and visualization tools to support operational decision-making.
Develop and maintain key process indicators and performance metrics.
Assist with environmental compliance efforts related to water, energy, air emissions, waste reduction, and chemical management.
Collaborate with Environmental personnel to identify opportunities for improved environmental performance and compliance.
Maintain accurate process documentation, engineering standards, operating procedures, and technical specifications.
Provide secondary support for reporting management systems, including Discharge Monitoring Reporting (DMR) and Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC), through documentation updates, audits, process standardization, and corrective action implementation.
Ensure process changes are appropriately documented and communicated throughout the organization.
Develop technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for mill leadership.