Process Engineer

GENERA•Vonore, TN

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Fiber Pulp Mill Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing fiber preparation, pulping, cleaning, refining, and stock delivery processes to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective production of high-quality pulp. This role drives continuous improvement in yield, energy usage, chemistry, and fiber quality while supporting day-to-day operations and capital projects. This engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to stabilize processes, solve chronic issues, and support new product and grade development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering, or related discipline
3+ years of experience in a pulp mill, fiber prep, or paper/packaging operation
Strong understanding of pulping, stock prep, refining, and fiber quality drivers
Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively on the plant floor with operators and technicians

Nice To Haves

Experience with recycled fiber or non-wood fiber (e.g., molded fiber, ag pulp, bagasse)
Experience supporting thermoforming, paper, or molded fiber downstream processes
Lean Manufacturing/ Green Belt or Black Belt Certification
Experience with Minitab
Familiarity with DCS/PLC systems, SPC, and process modeling

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Control Monitor and optimize pulping, washing, screening, cleaning, refining, and stock prep systems
Improve fiber yield, freeness, strength properties, and consistency control
Reduce variability through improved operating windows, SOPs, and control strategies
Analyze process data to identify losses, bottlenecks, and quality risks
Cost, Yield & Energy Improvement Drive reductions in fiber loss, chemical consumption, water usage, and energy intensity
Identify and implement variable cost reduction initiatives
Support benchmarking and best-practice deployment across mill operations
Quality & Product Performance Partner with Quality and downstream operations to ensure pulp meets performance targets (strength, formation, runnability, OGR, stiffness, etc.)
Support root-cause analysis of customer complaints and internal quality deviations
Assist with grade changes, trials, and new product introductions
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement Use Lean / Six Sigma green or black belt certification for problem solving.
Support up-time improvement by addressing process-related reliability challenges
Serve as a technical resource during upsets, startups, and shutdowns
Capital Projects & Technical Support Provide process design input for capital projects and equipment upgrades
Support commissioning, startup, and post-startup optimization
Develop process specifications, mass balances, and performance criteria
Safety & Environmental Compliance Champion safe operating practices and MOC discipline
Ensure processes comply with environmental permits and regulations
Identify opportunities to reduce emissions, effluent load, and waste