Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine
Domtar · Kingsport, TN
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Process
- Industry
- Packaging
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A senior process role at Domtar (packaging) in Kingsport, TN. In Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field from an accredited university.
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, DMAIC, FMEA, SAP
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Tennessee: typical posted base $83k–$109k.
Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 14 process engineer openings in Tennessee, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 13 other live process postings in Tennessee.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 43%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 43%
- New product launch 36%
- Automation 36%
- ✓ Lean 29%
- ✓ Cost reduction 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for DMAIC, SAP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Domtar
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Domtar in Kingsport
2 other open roles at this site.
- Sr Quality Engineer · Quality · Senior
- Production Team Leader · Production · Supervisor
Full description from DomtarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
responsibilities
include promoting safety, quality improvements, new product development, process optimization, and cost reduction while supporting the high-performance work system. Utilization of continuous improvement methodologies is essential in this role for efficient problem solving and execution of process improvements. The Process Engineer reports to the Superintendent and helps drive operational excellence by instilling a continuous improvement mindset in the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Organizational Effectiveness
- ◆Provide technical oversight of paper machine operations, ensuring optimal efficiency and product quality
- ◆Provide technical training to workforce on process improvements and process changes
- ◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams (maintenance, production, and quality control) to drive improvements.
- ◆Lead process optimization efforts, including chemical usage, fiber yield, water usage, and steam usage
- ◆Participate in DMS and utilize data analytics to monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for enhancement
- ◆Must be able to perform Mass Balances & Water Balances of unit operations & provide solutions as required
- ◆Must be able to read P&ID’s
- ◆Support CAPEX projects, including equipment upgrades & new technology implementation
- ◆Interact with vendors and collect information to improve productivity & quality
- ◆Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards
- ◆Act as technical coach for operations team members, providing training and mentorship
- ◆Process Optimization
- ◆Identify cost reduction projects and work with teams to achieve results
- ◆Develop and run chemical trials, process trials and quality trials as required
- ◆Develop training materials, procedures and charts for operators & communicate effectively
- ◆Use standard process engineering methods and procedures to work in all aspects of the paper machine
- ◆Able to check process control loops for effective operation
- ◆Participate in shutdown planning and execution as required
- ◆Must be able to perform engineering calculations as required
- ◆Able to condense information from manuals and drawings and explain to the mill operators
- ◆Quality
- ◆Work with management and Operational work teams to utilize the human performance improvement (HPI) process, identifying root-cause off-quality events and driving permanent solutions
- ◆Organize and track solutions in Enablon system (mill-wide database)
- ◆Develop techniques & processes to improve quality
- ◆Must be able to answer customer complaints when required
- ◆Continuous Improvement
- ◆Utilize lean tools (6 Sigma, DMAIC, FMEA, etc.) to assist with leading team efforts to identify continuous improvement projects
- ◆Perform RCPE as required
- ◆Develop and implement process control strategies to enhance machine performance and reduce variability.
- ◆Willing to explore machine learning principles
- ◆Safety
- ◆Be a safety advocate, lead by example
- ◆Drive team efforts to identify root cause of issues, develop permanent corrective actions, document in mill-wide database, and provide
follow-up
- ◆Suppliers / External Technical Resources
- ◆Interface with external technical resources and suppliers to initiate cost reduction, quality enhancement, and process improvement trials
Required Qualifications
- ✓B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, or related field from an accredited university
- ✓Minimum eight (8) years’ experience utilizing expert level knowledge for process troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving in Paper Mill Operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓A proven high-level of troubleshooting skills - analytical, critical thinking and problem solving
- ✓Advanced experience, knowledge and understanding of safe work practices
- ✓Experience identifying process changes and improvements
- ✓Ability to prioritize and make sound decisions, and resolve issues efficiently and effectively
- ✓Exceptional oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various departments and individuals (internal and external)
- ✓Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to multi-task
- ✓Ability to work independently and as a team
- ✓Results focused and detail-oriented
- ✓Excellent computer skills - working knowledge of PARCView and SAP would be an asset
- ✓Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- ✓Ability to present his/her work to all levels of management
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world.
Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.
The location in Kingsport, (Tennessee, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Sr Process Engineer - Paper Machine . This job is full-time permanent.
The location in Kingsport, TN is seeking talent to fill the position of Sr Process Engineer – Paper Machine . This role’s primary
Critical Competencies for Success
- •Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels within the Mill as well as suppliers / external technical resources
- •Ability to prioritize time and multi-task
- •Experience in process engineering with focus on high-speed paper machines
- •Excellent computer skills
- •Interpretation and application of a collective bargaining agreement
- •Good working knowledge of mill operations
