Sr. Project Engineering Manager

The Opportunity

When you join Smurfit Westrock Roanoke Rapids Mill, you will be part of a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. In this role , you will lead the day-to-day activities of the Project Engineering Department at Smurfit Westrock’s Roanoke Rapids Mill , where safe performance and environmental excellence are essential. You will manage internal engineering staff and engage external engineering resources as needed , oversee the mill’s capital portfolio , and partner with Corporate Engineering, Legal, and Purchasing on larger projects. Success in this position requires the timely execution of mill projects, performance within approved budgets , and accurate accounting of results . This position reports to the Mill Maintenance and Engineering Manager.

How You Will Make an Impact

• •Provide visible leadership in support of the mill’s safety-first culture, ensuring all engineering activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• •Ensure engineering standards, change management, and safe work practices are consistently applied across projects and technical work.
• •Support mechanical integrity and facility preservation programs to reduce risk and unplanned downtime.

• •Lead the planning, prioritization, and execution of capital projects, major equipment upgrades, and process improvements aligned with mill business objectives.
• •Manage the mill’s capital budget and project portfolio , ensuring projects are delivered within approved scope, schedule, and cost while maintaining accurate forecasts and financial reporting .
• •Coordinate internal engineering resources, contractors, OEMs, and external engineering firms as required.
• •Provide technical oversight for new equipment purchases, system upgrades, and major modifications.

• •Partner with Operations and Maintenance to improve asset reliability, uptime, and performance while maintaining clear accountability for engineering deliverables and production results .
• •Provide technical support for chronic equipment issues, process constraints, and operational risks.
• •Ensure effective process control strategies are in place to support quality, productivity, and stability.

• •Contribute to long-range capital planning, asset strategies, and mill strategic plans.
• •Establish engineering goals, KPIs, and performance measures aligned with mill priorities.
• •Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to cost reduction, efficiency, and asset performance.

• •Lead, coach, and develop engineering talent, including succession planning and capability building.
• •Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and collaboration across the mill.

• •Microsoft Office- Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• •Process Management
• •Data historian software (i.e., Process Book)

• •Work primarily in an office within a plant environment , with regular exposure to noise, machinery, variable temperatures , and areas where temperatures may exceed 100 °F. Strict adherence to all safety rules and regulations is required.
• •Fast-paced work J.I.T (just-in-time) environment