Process Control Engineer

Company : WestRock Co

Location : Pittsview, AL

Posted Date : 10 October 2025

Job Details

Position: Process Control Engineer

Job Code: MEPCP2 + Eng II, Process Control

Location: Cottonton, AL

The Opportunity:

The Process Control Engineer To provide control systems and instrumentation expertise combined with process knowledge to support the safe production of quality paperboard and by-products at the Mahrt Mill. This Process Control Engineer position directly supports the Paper Machine and Color Plant departments of the mill. This position reports to the Pulp & Paper Control Systems Group Leader.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

Safety:

Actively promotes and participates in elements of the Safety Program including personal accountability to working safe every day.

n
Leads/Participates in departmental safety meetings.
n
n
Reduces or eliminates safety risks using hazard awareness techniques.
n
n
Provides or secures expertise to review and execute hardware, software, and process changes to ensure compliance to MOC, PSM, and Mill Safety policy.
n
n
Provides support to operations departments during safety audits.
n

Quality:

n
Provides assistance with troubleshooting quality issues.
n
n
Verifies process instrumentation accuracy through field checks, calibrations, and material and energy balances.
n
n
Supports and troubleshoots the data collection and validation from vendor equipment: MeasureX, Metso, NIR, etc.
n

Production:

n
Maintains control platforms and HMIs in such a manner as to maximize availability and performance while reducing variability and downtime.
n
n
Performs cabinet inspections and utilizes software tools and alarms to discover and correct hardware issues before they affect production.
n
n
Utilizes variability tools to recognize process performance shifts and works to correct and improve process stability.
n
n
Manages and maintains remote access to control system HMIs and windows.
n
n
Supports Maintenance in the execution of work orders requiring Process Control Engineer support.
n
n
Builds, customizes, and maintains PI Process Book displays including Bailey & DeltaV process graphics replicated in Process Book.
n
n
Manages or co-manages control-intensive capital jobs with Engineering to insure function, performance, and compliance to standards.
n
n
Manages and maintains software changes and tools for the DCS and PLC systems in the mill including graphics, configuration, and program back-ups.
n
n
Provides call support to Shift Maintenance and Operations for problems with control systems in the mill.
n
n
Coordinates capital projects with other company personnel, with consultants, and with contractors thus preventing delays. Requires considerable planning. Responsible for check out, startup, and operation.
n
n
Designs and implements new hardware and software control packages to improve production, quality, safety, economy, and operation of the Mahrt Mill.
n

Cost:

n
Understands key cost drivers for processes under his/her control and drives control system performance to reduce these costs.
n
n
Provide assistance with capital spending justifications and project implementation.
n

Environmental:

n
Understands the Mahrt Operations Environmental Policy and related responsibilities and procedures.
n
n
Works to ensure that the collection, control, measuring, and reporting equipment is performing optimally and that the mill processes are operating in a manner to ensure compliance with mill permits.
n
n
Immediately reports any issues that could cause environmental excursions.
n

ISO:

n
Maintains required DCS Documentation of all ISO devices connected to the DCS and follows change procedures when changes are made.
n
n
Supports the Mahrt Internal ISO Audit process.
n

Management Operating System, People, Organizational Effectiveness:

n
Trains and develops junior Process Control Engineers and DCS Co-ops.
n
n
Participates in or provides support for Operations and Maintenance training of new, existing, or modified controls and processes in the mill.
n
n
Leads or participates on most Productivity/Quality/Diagnostic teams at the Mahrt Mill.
n
n
Must be competent in time management and project management and have the skills necessary to achieve cooperation of others and focus on customer needs. An understanding of the financial implications involved in decision making is important. Position may set up to Control Group Leader position on occasion.
n

Performance Criteria:

n
Understanding of and active participation in Performance Management Program.
n
n
Individual performance objectives will be aligned with department KPIs and reflected in individual objectives.
n

Miscellaneous:

n
Works on special projects as directed by Control System Group Leader or Technical Manager.
n
n
Maintains professional competence and knowledge in the controls industry and in the manufacturing process. Attends Engineering conferences within the Corporation and with suppliers.
n

What you will need to succeed:

n
Position requires a minimum of a BS Degree in a related field such as Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering or 5-8 years of industry experience and a technical degree.
n
n
DeltaV and Allen-Bradley experience desired.
n
n
Interpersonal skills such as building close working relationships and minimizing disagreements.
n
n
Good verbal and written communication skills
n
n
Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
n
n
Adaptability to rapidly changing working environments and operational situations.
n
n
Physical ability to operate in a paper mill environment, including light lifting, walking, oral communication, correctable vision, and ability to work in a hot, humid, and dusty environment.
n
n
Computer literacy in Word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, presentation graphics, etc.
n

What we offer:

n
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
n
n
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
n
n
An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
n
n
Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
n
n
A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
n

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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

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.