Division Process Control Engineer

About Smurfit Westrock

Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. Our North American mills operate highly integrated pulp and paper manufacturing systems supported by advanced automation, digital technologies, and data-driven performance optimization.

We are seeking a Senior Process Control Engineer to provide technical leadership in automation strategy, advanced process control, and mill-wide performance optimization.

Position Summary

The Division Process Control Engineer is a technical authority responsible for the design, optimization, and long-term reliability of mill control systems. This role leads complex automation initiatives, mentors junior engineers, and partners with operations leadership to drive safety, quality, productivity, and energy performance.

This position plays a critical role in digital transformation and advanced control deployment across the mill.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead strategy and architecture for Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLC platforms
• Design, implement, and optimize regulatory and advanced process control (APC) strategies
• Provide expert-level PID tuning, loop optimization, and process stability improvements
• Lead control system modernization and cybersecurity initiatives

Advanced Process Control & Optimization

• Develop and deploy multivariable and model-based control strategies
• Support fleet-wide standardization of control philosophies and best practices
• Leverage process data analytics to drive yield, energy, and throughput improvements
• Integrate mill systems (quality, drives, QCS, historian, etc.) for performance visibility

Operational Excellence

• Troubleshoot complex process and automation issues impacting production
• Partner with operations and maintenance to improve uptime and reliability
• Support capital projects involving automation upgrades and system expansions
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements

Mentorship & Development

• Mentor entry-level and mid-level process control engineers
• Develop training materials and documentation standards
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields. Associates degree will be considered with appropriate experience.
• 8+ years of experience in process control within industrial manufacturing (pulp & paper preferred)
• Strong experience with DCS platforms (Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, Valmet DNA, or Rockwell)
• Demonstrated expertise in PID tuning, regulatory control, and advanced control strategies
• Experience leading cross-functional technical projects

Preferred:

• Experience with Advanced Process Control (MPC, multivariable control)
• Familiarity with mill-wide optimization and digital transformation initiatives
• Knowledge of pulp, recovery, power, paper machine, or fiberline operations
• Strong data analysis and performance modeling skills

What You’ll Drive

• Increased production stability and throughput
• Reduced process variability and quality loss
• Improved energy efficiency and environmental performance
• Scalable automation standards across the mill
• Development of next-generation automation talent

Why Smurfit Westrock

• Industry-leading safety culture
• Investment in advanced automation and digital technologies
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Significant influence on mill performance and long-term strategy
• Leadership visibility and growth opportunities

Work Environment

• Industrial paper mill setting
• Combination of fieldwork and office-based engineering
• On-call support for critical systems as needed