Process Control Engineer

Company: WestRock
Location: Kalama
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

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. The Opportunity:

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- The process control engineer is responsible for providing technological and engineering expertise for the implementation of new process control technology and equipment; evaluates and resolves problems with existing process control systems utilizing vendor and/or mill maintenance support when necessary; designs and programs changes to the existing process control systems as needed. This position ensures the control systems are properly deployed to provide the greatest return on investment regarding production, costs, quality as well as safe and environmentally sound operations. -

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- How you will impact WestRock: - Utilizes modern process control theory to design and configure systems on new and existing processes. - Assists project engineers and managers in the planning, development, and implementation of capital projects. - Engages in development of short and long-term planning of system upgrades and migrations. - During project design, assists with coordinating the development of control logic and system configuration between the Operating Department and control system suppliers. Participate in factory checkout of equipment prior to delivery to confirm design and functionality. - Writes operator training manuals and assists with control system operator training. - Generates procedures used by Maintenance, Operations, and peers. - Works closely with Operations and Engineering personnel to develop job scopes. Write functional specifications for vendor use in quotations. - Maintains a strong emphasis on process improvement projects -- customer focused innovations, cost saving improvements, process optimization, etc. - Utilizes a proactive approach and project skills to develop solutions to short-term and long-term issues. - Designs and implements control system logic based on process knowledge, applicable safety and environmental requirements, operational need, and maintenance requirements that provide clearly defined benefits. - Works closely with Maintenance and Operations to identify and resolve issues. - Leads troubleshooting efforts of systems and processes. Helps promote technical skills in E\I technicians. - Manage and direct consultants, contractors, and vendors during controls related projects. - As part of the Process Control team, shares in the responsibility of providing weekend and off-hour availability to support Process Control and IT mill needs as well as startup support from planned and unplanned shutdowns. - Adheres to all mill safety rules, participates in or may lead safety programs and meetings with the goal of improving safety at the mill. Supports the mill behavior-based safety program. - Evaluates, troubleshoots, and maintains system hardware. - Perform other duties as assigned.
- What you need: - B.S. Degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Paper Science Engineering is preferred. - Minimum of two years of industrial experience preferred or graduate with process control engineering experience. - Strong knowledge of field instrumentation, control devices, and motor controls required. - Process control experience within paper industry experience preferred. - Strong troubleshooting skillset for evaluating root cause and addressing technical issues with long term solutions in mind. - Experience with Honeywell TDC, Honeywell Experion, Valmet, Rockwell & Modicon DCS & PLC Systems preferred. - Strong computer skills including systems deploying VMWare. - Experience with Ethernet networks including configuration of switches, routers and VLANs. - Experience with Industrial Communication Protocols including Modbus TCP\IP and Ethernet IP - Experience with control loop tuning and performance evaluation tools. - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Results oriented individual capable of handling projects individually, yet able to work efficiently in a highly team-oriented environment. - Ability to drive large scale control system projects from concept to commissioning. - Additional skills needed: self-directed, flexible, self-learner, multitasking, results driven, safety focused. Competencies:

• Exhibits strong competencies in Safety Mindset and has a thorough understanding of safety policies and procedures.
• Targets and achieves results, sets and accomplishes challenging goals, prioritizes and manages tasks effectively, maintains an organized system to monitor progress, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets standards and responsibilities.
• Drives for continuous improvement while managing expectations and results. Able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and accelerate the change within themselves, their work group, or the organization; challenges the status quo and creatively identifies opportunities for improvement. Demonstrates a constant commitment to do things better.
• Understands and works to meet customer requirements. Listens to and responds to customer's needs; builds relationships with and gains trust of customer by always meeting commitments. -
• Recognizes problems and responds by systematically gathering information and weighing options. Able to sort through complex issues, seek input from others and addresses root cause of issues. Makes timely and accurate decisions. Uses consensus when possible and clearly communicates decisions to others. -
• Tackles problems and takes independent action. Seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, practices self-development, and demonstrates a bias for action without being prompted.
• Breaks down problems into smaller components, understands underlying issues. Can simplify and process complex issues and information, understand the difference between critical details and unimportant facts, can analyze data/information and draw accurate conclusions.
• Able to exhibit a 'can-do' approach and inspire associates to excel, uses competition to encourage others, develops performance standards and confronts negative attitudes. Develops a team spirit and uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions. Presents new ideas to authority figures and adapts presentations to suit a particular audience. Responds to objections successfully.
• Attentive to detail and accuracy; is committed to excellence. Continuously looks for improvements, seeks opportunities to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
• Able to be tactful, maintain confidence, and foster an ethical work environment. Prevents inappropriate behavior by coworkers, gives proper credit to others and handles all situations honestly.
• Able to clearly present information through spoken or written words; read and interpret complex information; talks with employees, customers, and supplies, and has strong listening skills.
  Compensation Offered
  • Pay (or pay range): $66,375 - $110,625 DOE (Junior, Intermediate, Senior levels)
  • Bonus/Commission Eligible: Yearly Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) Bonus based off metrics. Benefits Offered WestRock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and WestRock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K). - What we offer:
    • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
    • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
    • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
    • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work. 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. The salary range for this position is $66,375.00 - $110,625.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process.

Keywords: WestRock, Albany , Process Control Engineer, Engineering , Kalama, Oregon