Overview In this role you will drive process optimization across papermaking and off-line coating operations within Brownville & Lowville mills. You'll partner with Operations, Technical, and cross-functional teams to reduce costs, improve quality, and implement scalable solutions from raw materials to finished products. You contribute to a zero-incident safety culture and lead trials and capital projects that advance site performance. This position offers hands-on problem solving in a dynamic manufacturing environment with impact on overall business performance.
Responsibilities- Develop deep expertise in manufacturing equipment and processes to enable new product development and cost reductions
- Lead and participate in safety initiatives and Velocity reporting within the zero incidents culture
- Support quality and continuous improvement of papermaking and off-line coating processes to meet customer expectations
- Define and manage process capability analyses and ensure products meet specifications
- Coordinate supplier quality with procurement and COA information for cost-effective material delivery
- Drive cost optimization through substitutions, reduced variability, improved quality, and efficiency gains
- Collaborate on technical reports documenting trials, results, and cause-effect relationships
- Support capital project development and execution; oversee trials in compliance with laws and regulations
- Conduct lab and machine trials for new product development; test critical-to-quality specifications
- Work with cross-functional teams to plan and execute trials; engage customers when needed
- Create and control intellectual property; serve as product design expert
- Execute projects within Stage-Gate framework and generate actionable technical recommendations
- Travel up to 10% for site, supplier, and customer engagements
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related areas with problem-solving abilities
- 7 years of manufacturing experience in paper or coating operations
- Experience with Lean and Six Sigma is preferred
- Strong knowledge of equipment and process design, chemistry, control strategies, and thermodynamics/mass transfer/fluid dynamics
- Proficiency in Microsoft programs and ERP systems; familiarity with DCS/QCS is preferred
- Ability to lead in a matrix organization and communicate across all levels
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving, quantitative, analytical, and organizational skills
- Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation capabilities
- Strong leadership and communication across all levels
- Problem solving and analytical thinking
- Detail-oriented and well-organized
- Process understanding of papermaking and coating operations
- Knowledge of chemistry and materials science
- Control strategies, mechanical integrity, energy transfer, thermodynamics, mass transfer, fluid dynamics
