Process Engineer - Paper Machines

Smurfit Westrock•Hodge, LA

About The Position

The Manufacturing Process Engineer, Paper Machines, supports Paper Machines operations by safely improving processes and supporting the development and implementation of new and existing projects. This technical professional analyzes, implements, and optimizes processes to continuously improve production and operations. Work includes collecting and analyzing data, reporting, field troubleshooting, developing and modifying procedures, and supporting operations management while demonstrating safety leadership and a quality mindset. The role safely leads continuous improvement projects, mill initiatives, and other work to improve paper machine operations and reliability. It reports directly to the Paper Machine Superintendent. The position supports Paper Machine projects and process improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency; analyzes processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities to improve cost, quality, and performance; and provides primary technical support and troubleshooting for Paper Machine areas. It develops and maintains process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures, Emergency Operating Procedures, and standard work instructions, and works with safety, environmental, and quality teams to ensure compliance with company standards and government regulations. The role also leads projects, process upgrades, and equipment installations, providing associated technical and training support, and monitors process performance through metrics and KPIs in collaboration with Assistant Superintendents and team members. The position is based in LA Hodge. Employment is full-time. Relocation support is not available. Candidates must undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Requirements

At least 5 years of manufacturing experience, including hands-on experience in a production setting.
Relevant bachelor's degree; the posting identifies engineering as the relevant degree and lists chemical engineering or business as preferred degree areas.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret PPR process data.
Ability to use data-analysis and problem-solving tools and concepts, including Pi, Fishbone, 5 Whys, Six Sigma concepts, and Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to address safety and environmental compliance, improve quality, and develop practical solutions for production and reliability goals.
Strong project-management skills for safety, environmental, quality, and production initiatives.
Ability to identify workflow bottlenecks and support implementation of data-driven operational improvements.
Ability to work across departments, align project goals with organizational objectives, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts.
Process troubleshooting and continuous-improvement skills, including monitoring performance and using analytical data to improve reliability.
Ability to create detailed process maps of workflows.
Demonstrated safety mindset and commitment to personal and colleague safety.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical concepts, preparing reports, and communicating with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to lead, motivate, and collaborate with cross-functional production teams and subject-matter experts.
Attention to detail and accuracy in data monitoring, compliance, and documentation.
Collaborative, driven, and open to learning and developing technical and operational skills.
Demonstrated safety awareness, composure under pressure, equitable treatment of others, ethics, integrity, trustworthiness, active listening, and clear written communication.
Undergo drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Chemical engineering degree or specialization.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
Project Management Professional (PMP).

Responsibilities

Support and oversee Paper Machine projects and their implementation.
Lead improvements to existing Paper Machine processes to enhance productivity and efficiency safely.
Analyze processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
Provide primary technical support to Paper Machine areas; diagnose and resolve problems and improve reliability in real time.
Analyze workflows, recommend changes, minimize bottlenecks, and streamline operations.
Use data and problem-solving methods to identify and implement continuous improvement solutions that enhance process reliability.
Monitor process performance and use data-driven insights to optimize operations.
Create, modify, and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, EOPs, and standard work instructions.
Work with safety, environmental, and quality teams to ensure processes meet company standards and government regulations.
Develop, lead, and improve projects, process upgrades, and new equipment installations; provide technical and training support for each project.
Monitor process performance using metrics and KPIs and manage continuous improvement activities daily.
Collaborate with Paper Machines Assistant Superintendents and team members to align systems with process standards and optimize improvement initiatives.
Collect, analyze, interpret, and report PPR process data.
Create process maps to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks and facilitate operational improvements.