Process Engineer

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE : SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose : Innovate Boldly.

Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Smurfit Westrock Process Engineer Stroudsburg mill in Delaware Water Gap, PA

The Opportunity :

The Process Engineer is responsible for managing technical projects aimed at product and process problem-solving and / or improvements, cost reduction, and profitability improvement.

Process Engineers provide technical assistance to the operating departments to help them achieve the mill’s goals and objectives while driving continuous process improvement.

How you will impact WestRock :

Major Job Responsibilities :

Business Excellence

• Determine and implement process changes and / or trials to improve operating efficiency and performance and minimize variation
• Perform daily checks of production output and contributing factors
• Partner with operations, E&I, and Process Control Engineers to understand all processes and how teams and individuals are involved and impacted at each step
• Provide operators, other managers, and salaried employees with analytical support and problem-solving related to operating processes
• Drive continuous process improvement within an operating area through the coordination and management of process trials
• Translate production efficiencies and reduced variances to revenues and costs
• Use material balances to identify process problems with transmitters and other equipment
• Serve as the owner and subject matter expert for Process Book (the mill’s software to view Distributed Control System equipment), ensuring that all data and documentation is accurate and up to date
• Develop PI pages to capture insight into processes and equipment, including the creation of new PI tags (e.g. flow, pressure, temperature, and mode on the equipment)
• Track and analyze data related to any trials, changes and continual production information to inform recommendations and decisions
• Gather and cleanse production and process data and perform statistical / analytical tests to uncover important variables and their impacts
• Generate production reporting, create process monitoring reports, and perform daily troubleshooting of the process

People and Culture

• Review and share best practices with peers in technical subject areas including computer software and systems (PI Vision / Process Book, Excel, quality data tracker, EhkoSoft)
• Support the area operations management with daily production reporting
• Regularly communicate process-related data to operations and management in readily consumable way
• Deliver presentations to operations team and leadership providing an executive-level summary of Process Excellence projects
• Could be responsible for vacation coverage for Shift Supervisors

Critical Skills / Capabilities :

Analytical : Logically processes information to produce insights in a consumable format; aggregates, cleanses, and disseminates data in structured formats to support better business decisions and improved performance;

process-analysis skills to evaluate data and make decisions to drive process improvements

Process- Oriented : Plans, designs, manages processes while focusing on refining and improving to increase efficiency and effectiveness;

understands process inputs, activities, outputs, roles and sequencing

Problem-Solving : Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions;

makes recommendations; demonstrates tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, or sequential approach

Communication : Clearly exchanges thoughts, ideas, and messages through written, verbal, and non-verbal methods that promote an understanding with the target audience;

listens carefully and attentively; can clearly convey process-related data to operations and management in readily consumable way

• Interpersonal : Can relate to and communicate effectively with others to build rapport and relationships
• Organizational Skills : Plans, arranges and / or monitor's work to ensure achievement of desired results; establishes a systematic course of action to accomplish objectives
• Time Management : Plans, prioritizes, and manages time spent on accomplishing tasks to increase productivity and efficiency;

demonstrates awareness and control over amount of time spent on activities; meets deadlines

Growth and Results Oriented : Demonstrates an interest, willingness and drive to learn new things; seeks to understand concepts, processes, and ideas within area of functional expertise;

naturally inquisitive; sets meaningful goals for personal work productivity

Technical Skills :

Proficient computer skills including experience with the following systems and applications : Microsoft Office Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, WordOSISoft PI Platforms or other data management systems

Work Environment :

Time split between office and operating floor 4+ hours in operating environment (non-climate controlled conditions)

What you need to succeed :

• Required : 0-2 years of experience in a process engineering role
• Preferred : Work experience in the paper industry or similar industry through an internship or co-op
• Required : Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or engineering; paper science & engineering or chemical engineering preferred
• Preferred : PI Training

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.