Senior Process Control Engineer - WFH

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Division Process Control Engineer

Location: United States (WFH – North America)

Company: Smurfit Westrock North America

Department: Manufacturing Technology and Innovation / Process Control

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
  
  

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.

The salary range for this position is $122,625.00 - $204,375.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Jul-2026.