Staff Eng, Process Control
Listed on Smurfit Westrock’s official careers site. Posted July 16, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there.
Apply on Smurfit Westrock’s careers site →Job description
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.
Position
Senior
- Process Engineer Job Code: ENPCP4 + Staff Eng Location: Covington, VA The Opportunity: The Senior
- Process Engineer is responsible for managing technical projects aimed at product and process problem-solving and/or improvements, cost reduction, and profitability improvement.
Process Engineers provide technical assistance to the operating departments to help them achieve the mill’s goals and objectives while driving continuous process improvement.
Major Job Responsibilities
Business Excellence
- Determine and implement process changes and/or trials to improve operating efficiency and performance and minimize variation
- Partner with operations, Maintenance, and Process Control Engineers to make process improvements
- Provide operators, other managers, and salaried employees with analytical support and problem-solving related to operating processes
- Drive continuous process improvement within an operating area through the coordination and management of raw material and other process trials (e.g. using an ingredient or process aid/chemical)
- Troubleshoot equipment performance
- Track and analyze data related to any trials, changes and continual production information to inform recommendations and decisions
People and Culture
- Review and share best practices with peers in technical subject areas including computer software and systems (Plant Information System, Excel, quality data tracker, electronic log sheet) Regularly communicate process-related data to operations and management in readily consumable way
- Deliver presentations to operations team and leadership providing an executive-level summary of Process Excellence projects Critical Skills / Capabilities: Analytical: Logically processes information to produce insights in a consumable format; aggregates, cleanses, and disseminates data in structured formats to support better business decisions and improved performance Process-Oriented: Plans, designs, manages processes while focusing on refining and improving to increase efficiency and effectiveness; understands process inputs, activities, outputs, roles and sequencing Problem-Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations; demonstrates tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, or sequential approach Communication: Clearly exchanges thoughts, ideas, and messages through written, verbal, and non-verbal methods that promote an understanding with the target audience; listens carefully and attentively Interpersonal: Can relate to and communicate effectively with others to build rapport and relationships Organizational Skills: Plans, arranges and/or monitor's work to ensure achievement of desired results; establishes a systematic course of action to accomplish objectives Time Management: Plans, prioritizes, and manages time spent on accomplishing tasks to increase productivity and efficiency; demonstrates awareness and control over amount of time spent on activities; meets deadlines Growth and Results Oriented: Demonstrates an interest, willingness and drive to learn new things; seeks to understand concepts, processes, and ideas within area of functional expertise; naturally inquisitive; sets meaningful goals for personal work productivity
Technical Skills
Proficient computer skills including experience with the following systems and applications: Microsoft Office - Excel (ability to script macros is preferred), Outlook, PowerPoint, Word Plant Information System Minitab
Other Qualifications
To perform the duties of the job, this role requires: Constantly ascending/descending stairs and foot stools up to 3 rungs Constantly ascending/descending ladders up to 10 feet tall Constantly ascending/descending ladders taller than 10 feet tall Constantly reaching by extending fingers on two hands Constantly reaching by extending two arms
Constantly using fingers to grasp with two hands Constantly using fingers to pinch with two hands Constantly using fingers to type with two hands Frequently working atop of elevated surfaces for 10-30 minutes at a time Frequently positioning oneself low to the ground in a crouching position for up to 10 minutes at a time
Frequently positioning oneself low to the ground in a kneeling position for 5-15 minutes at a time Occasionally working in spaces up to three feet wide for 10-30 minutes at a time Occasionally exerting force by pulling up to 30 lbs of weight Occasionally exerting force by pushing up to 30 lbs of weight
Occasionally exerting force by lifting up to 30 lbs of weight The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed loudly 75-100% of the time The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed quickly 75-100% of the time The safe and accurate preparation and analyzing of data and figures, monitoring of a computer terminal, or inspection of small defects or parts A repetitive motion, which entails frequent typing
Work Environment Frequently works indoors in an environment that is not climate controlled and has high temperatures Frequently stands or walks for 1-2 hours at a time Heavy industrial environment; required to wear PPE - ear plugs, hard hat, safety glasses, steel toed boots What you need to succeed: Required: 15-20 years of experience in a process engineering role
Preferred: Work experience in the paper industry Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or engineering; chemical engineering preferred 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. Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more! A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
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 $111,750.00 - $186,250.00, 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 30-Dec-2026.
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