Electrical Engineer

Job Summary

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for providing hands-on technical expertise in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of electrical systems and equipment in a paper pulp mill. This role requires direct involvement in plant operations, ensuring electrical reliability, efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. The engineer will work closely with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to minimize downtime, enhance equipment performance, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems, motors, drives, switchgear, MCCs, transformers, and power distribution systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical failures in pulp mill equipment, conveyors, refiners, digesters, recovery boilers, paper machines, and drying systems.
• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs to improve system reliability.
• Perform arc flash analysis, electrical load calculations, and power system studies to optimize electrical performance.
• Support and maintain PLC and DCS control systems, including troubleshooting, programming modifications, and upgrades.

Plant Operations & Process Optimization

• Work closely with production teams to ensure electrical systems support mill operations without unexpected downtime.
• Optimize power consumption and energy efficiency through data analysis and equipment modifications.
• Assist in troubleshooting automation and instrumentation issues that impact production.
• Implement electrical improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and compliance with mill operating standards.

Capital Projects & System Upgrades

• Lead or assist in capital projects, including electrical equipment installations, mill expansions, and system upgrades.
• Specify, design, and install electrical panels, motor control centers, and power distribution systems for new or upgraded equipment.
• Ensure proper testing, commissioning, and documentation of electrical installations.
• Work with vendors, contractors, and consultants to implement best practices for electrical reliability.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

• Ensure all electrical work complies with OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and other industry standards.
• Conduct arc flash risk assessments and electrical safety training for maintenance teams.
• Maintain accurate electrical schematics, drawings, and control system documentation.
• Support environmental and safety compliance by implementing electrical improvements to mitigate risks.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on experience with high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) electrical systems, transformers, circuit breakers, and motor controls.
• Strong knowledge of troubleshooting PLCs, DCS, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience in power distribution, load calculations, and energy efficiency improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for work orders and tracking maintenance activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve electrical failures quickly.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions to improve system reliability.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills for working with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field required.
• 5 years of hands-on experience in electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, and system optimization in a paper pulp mill or heavy industrial environment.
• Proficiency in working with PLC/DCS programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Honeywell, etc.).
• Experience with medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) power distribution systems preferred.
• Previous work experience in a unionized environment is a plus.
• Certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer), CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional), or ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are a plus.

Expectations & Work Environment

• Work in an industrial manufacturing setting, requiring hands-on involvement with electrical systems, working at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Availability for on-call support and emergency maintenance situations.
• Commitment to electrical safety protocols, PPE requirements, and industry best practices.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development to stay current with industry standards.

Salary : $90,000 - $1,100,000