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E&I Reliability Engineer

Smurfit Westrock · Longview, WA

Level
Engineer
Team
Reliability
Base pay
$116k–$193k
Degree
Preferred
Experience asked
15+ years
Industry
Packaging
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level reliability role at Smurfit Westrock (packaging) in Longview, WA. As with all jobs, all duties and responsibilities are not listed, and will vary based upon the department, team, and business needs.

They ask for
15+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names
Root cause, PLC, Automation, Casting, SAP, EHS / safety
Base pay
$116k–$193k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

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

Reliability Engineer roles in Washington: typical posted base $105k–$145k. This one lists $116k–$193k.

Median of the low and high ends of 12 live postings that list pay, out of 20 reliability engineer openings in Washington, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

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

How this role compares

Against 19 other live reliability postings in Washington.

Base pay
About 24% above similar roles

Typical $105k–$145k, from 11 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (15+ vs 3+)

Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Root cause 55%
  • Python 50%
  • ✓ Automation 45%
  • FMEA 30%
  • ✓ Team leadership 25%

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

Stands out: this posting asks for Casting, SAP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 15+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at Smurfit Westrock

    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 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: Smurfit Westrock in Longview

3 other open roles at this site.

Full description from Smurfit WestrockAs posted on their careers site.Show

responsibilities

are not listed, and will vary based upon the department, team, and business needs.

Electrical and Instrument (E/I) Reliability Engineer

Responsibilities

  • ◆Lead system upgrades, migrations, modernization initiatives, and industrial automation projects while supporting engineering and troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems.
  • ◆Review and interpret power studies including Arc Flash, relay coordination, load flow, and short circuit analyses.
  • ◆Coordinate field installation, testing, energization, and commissioning activities with all stakeholders.
  • ◆Ensure compliance with company standards and all applicable electrical codes, including NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and related regulations.
  • ◆Oversee Reliability Programs: Take charge of E&I reliability programs from initial conception to successful implementation, utilizing experience with Honeywell, Emerson, ABB, and Rockwell equipment.
  • ◆Provide Technical Direction: Deliver expert guidance and innovative solutions to maintenance and operating teams to ensure seamless mill operations.
  • ◆Drive Maintenance Strategies: Manage equipment tracking and Predictive Maintenance (PdM) strategy/program design.
  • ◆Optimize System Performance: Leverage predictive and preventive maintenance techniques to proactively identify bad actors and implement system improvements before they impact production.
  • ◆Champion Safety and Environmental Standards: Advance the mill's safety and environmental objectives with a specific focus on enhancing system reliability.
  • ◆Support Capital Projects: Serve as a capital project liaison to provide design reviews, technical support, and commissioning expertise.
  • ◆Develop Team Resources: Create training and troubleshooting documentation for the E&I group to support cross-functional cooperation.

What you need

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering preferred or a combination of education and experience with 10–15 years of industrial E/I maintenance and project management experience, preferably in the pulp and paper industry.
  • ✓Strong leadership, high ethical standards, and an uncompromising commitment to worker safety, regulatory compliance, and quality.
  • ✓Proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, including accurate budgeting, forecasting, and meeting deadlines with urgency and attention to detail.
  • ✓PdM & Criticality Expert: Proven ability to design, implement, and manage PdM strategies and mill criticality rankings.
  • ✓Analytical Skills: Hands-on expertise in Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and identifying/rectifying "bad actors" in control system loops.
  • ✓Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to draw fact‑based conclusions and present information clearly while collaborating effectively across teams.
  • ✓Able to work independently with minimal supervision, supported by proficient computer skills
  • ✓Proficient in industry software such as JDE, SAP, Experion, Emerson AMS, RS Logix and Studio 5000 etc. to support design, analysis, and troubleshooting activities.
Show full description ↓

The opportunity

The Staff E&I Reliability Engineer is responsible for strategically planning, organizing, and executing programs designed to enhance and maintain the reliability of electrical and instrumentation equipment. This role provides vital support during daily operations and annual maintenance shutdowns while acting as the mill's Instrumentation Subject Matter Expert (SME).

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

This list identifies the essential functions. As with all jobs, all duties and

What we offer

  • •Corporate culture is based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • •Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • •An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • •A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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