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Process Control Engineer

International Paper · Cedar Rapids, IA

Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Experience asked
1+ years
Industry
Packaging
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at International Paper (packaging) in Cedar Rapids, IA. BS in related engineering discipline or like experience.

They ask for
1+ years
Tools it names
5S, Root cause, PLC, Automation, SAP, EHS / safety
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$140k.

Median of the low and high ends of 300 live postings that list pay, out of 875 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Iowa plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 7 other live controls postings in Iowa.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Tooling 63%
  • ✓ Automation 50%
  • ✓ PLC 50%
  • ✓ Team leadership 38%
  • Robotics 25%
  • Welding 25%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 1+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentioned

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at International Paper

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 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. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 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. 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: International Paper in Cedar Rapids

1 other open role at this site.

Process Control Engineer at International Paper in other locations

International Paper lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.

Full description from International PaperAs posted on their careers site.Show

The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring

The key accountabilities listed below are not to be considered all-inclusive; a team member may be required to perform additional tasks, as directed, and based on changing business needs of the company.

  • ✓Assist technical groups with process improvement activities.
  • ✓Assist in process/maintenance troubleshooting activities and Root Cause Analysis investigations.
  • ✓Responsible for business continuity of process control systems through documentation, training and management-of-change process.
  • ✓Sharing the responsibility for providing weekend and off-hour support for all Electrical equipment, will also require working into the maintenance on-call rotation after 1 year on-site.
  • ✓Sharing “Best Practices” on both a mill and corporate level.
  • ✓Fulfill area specific 5S expectations(5 Minute 5S Checklists Replenishment of tools and supplies, 5S Audits, etc.)
  • ✓Designing and implementing process control strategies to support new and existing processes to include process efficiency improvements and optimization, process variability reduction, compliance with environmental and safety

requirements

and equipment/process reliability.

  • ✓Selecting and approving hardware and software designs for new process automation projects.
  • ✓Provide continuous support to all aspects of the DCS, PLC system which includes, Network infrastructure (Ethernet & TCP/IP), Databases (SQL Server), DCS data historian
  • ✓Will help support the mill QCS system. This includes the Machine Direction and Cross Direction controls of the machine.
  • ✓Will help support miscellaneous mill equipment such as: camera systems, lab systems, gate entry systems
  • ✓Considering the business implications of the application of technology to the current and future manufacturing environment.
  • ✓Key customers include plant operators and supervisors, technical and business groups, and maintenance personnel.
  • ✓Train operators and maintenance personnel on new control functions.

Minimum

  • ✓BS in related engineering discipline or like experience
  • ✓5-8 years experience in related discipline
  • ✓Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and safety leadership.
  • ✓Demonstrated effective facilitation, project execution, follow-up and problem-solving skills.
  • ✓Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with team members and customers.

The Culture You Will Experience

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

Show full description ↓

Process Control Engineer

Pay Rate

106,700- 120,000

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Salaried Full-Time

Physical Location

4600 C St SW

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Job You Will Perform

Responsible to coordinate improvement opportunities and action plans for various mill process systems. Interact daily with Manufacturing and Optimization team members to gather information, develop action plans and implement improvements. Process improvements will be short term and long term in vision, i.e. yearly results; activities will promote permanent improvements in reliability of people, equipment, and processes. Provide active and visible support for the mill safety programs as the highest priority. The individual must support and exemplify the vision and organizational values of International Paper and the Cedar River Mill, which includes personal safety accountability to ensure an injury-free workplace .

Preferred

  • +Demonstrated leadership experience.
  • +BS in a related engineering discipline preferred.
  • +1 to 5 years engineering experience in a Pulp and Paper environment.
  • +Proactive in follow-up and resolution of issues while holding himself/herself and others accountable.
  • +Ability to manage multiple priorities to meet both internal and external customer needs.
  • +Proficiency with SAP and MS Office, Network Applications.

The Benefits You Will Enjoy

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build

Leadership training, promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Company You Will Join

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

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