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Principal Process Engineer
- WestRock Company (Richmond, VA)
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Team: Manufacturing, Technical, & Innovation
Title: Principle Engineer, Process Engineering | Location: WFH
Manager: Nick Honeycutt - Director, Process & Project Engineering
Purpose and Intent
* A diverse, multi-disciplined team fully aligned and in support of Smurfit Westrock\u2019s Corrugated and Consumer Mill operations.
* Driven to maximize business results of Smurfit Westrock\u2019s mill system through collaboration with Mill Leadership and prioritization of assessments, benchmarking, standard processes, and systems to apply resources to the most impactful opportunities and results-based activities.
* Process Optimization, Reliability, Engineering, Program Management and Business Management Systems driving consistent, data-based decision making to maximize value for Smurfit Westrock and its shareholders.
FUNCTION: Process and Project Engineering
Who are we: A team that provides a broad spectrum of services and tools to Smurfit Westrock - focusing on the Corrugated & Consumer Mill Systems.
* Strategic capital development process, evaluation, and analytics.
* M&A / strategic initiatives project support
* Facilitation and management of centralized process focused tools and data
* Project cost & schedule services
* Management and administration of the Project Authorization System (PAS) and capital process
* Development, administration and improvement of processes, systems and tools.
* Facilitation of the connection to key stakeholders (Finance, Accounting, IT, Procurement, Legal, etc.).
What is our Mission: Provide insights and direction to support our key company strategies by:
* Being a diverse team focused on process, systems, and tools support for all MTI functions to create a seamless analytical & data-driven environment.
* Development of resources through cross-functional sharing and project experience.
* Providing clarity through detailed analysis and a connection to the business strategy and need.
* Being early adopters of new technology to advance the development of our team and efficiency.
KEY SUPPORT AREA - Outage/Program/Project Controls Support
The Project and Program Engineering function within the MTI team is deployed on various projects and programs that are of high value to the mill system. They are expected to provide clear cost, schedule, risk, and task management in highly complex environments. The services expected go beyond the traditional service provided by industry consultants, however, all tasks are deployed utilizing the experience and mindset of a seasoned professional. The MTI Project and Program engineering positions are key development roles that gain highly sought-after experience in the mill system.
Job Summary
The Process and Project Engineering role is a high-impact, developmental position designed for engineers with relevant experience\u2014preferably within the paper or manufacturing industry\u2014who are passionate about driving strategic change. This role supports enterprise-level initiatives and capital projects that align with executive leadership priorities and long-term business objectives.
Initially focused on building foundational knowledge in mill engineering and construction practices, the role evolves into leading and overseeing critical initiatives across the mill system and broader enterprise. The position requires a hands-on approach to project execution, including cost management, schedule development, risk assessment, and direct coordination with cross-functional teams.
A key component of the role is supporting the MTI team and executive stakeholders through data-driven decision-making, project governance, and continuous improvement efforts. Extensive travel (up to 60%) is expected during the early stages to accelerate development and ensure deep operational understanding across facilities.
Role Responsibilities
Strategic Projects
* Lead or support the development and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives aligned with executive priorities.
* Provide program-level oversight for multi-facility capital investments, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and ROI targets. Management to include overall program and/or individual projects.
* Manage external partners and consultants to ensure delivery of strategic outcomes on time and within budget.
* Oversight of external resources deployed on strategic projects
Business Project Support / MTI Team Support
* Partner with executive leadership to drive critical business initiatives from concept through execution.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Operations, and IT, to deliver data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
* Develop and implement tracking tools and governance processes to monitor progress, risks, and performance metrics for non-construction initiatives.
* Facilitate continuous improvement efforts across the enterprise, leveraging Six Sigma, Lean, and Performance Excellence methodologies.
Capital and Maintenance Project Support
* Provide strategic guidance and engineering support for major capital projects and plant outages across the mill system.
* Serve as a consultant on smaller capital projects, reviewing cost, schedule, and risk documentation to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
* Champion the development, training, and adoption of standardized project management practices across the organization.
Skills and Qualifications
* 5+ years experience in project engineering, process engineering, program management, or planning/scheduling role
* Bachelor\u2019s degree required; engineering degree preferred
* Familiarity with Scheduling Software(s) (e.g., Primavera P6 or P3, MS Project)
* Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools (e.g., JDE, SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite, or any relevant company-wide software system)
* Advanced use of Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint & Visio)
* Advanced knowledge of project engineering or project management principles related to industrial construction
* Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and initiatives from inception through completion
* High energy self-starter; must be flexible and able to take on an initiative with minimal guidance and be comfortable working both as an individual and as part of a team
* Adaptability to change and able to respond quickly to changing demands
* Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations with limited standardization
* Ability to influence and shape work, progress, and processes without ownership
* Presentation skills that are effective in a variety of formal presentation settings
* Focus on continuous improvement and process optimization
* Ability to prepare and interpret analytical reports and forecasts
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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
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