The Opportunity
As the Mechanical Planner for the paper machines, you will be responsible for developing and coordinating detailed maintenance plans that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency. The Planner is a key role within the Reliability Team, executing the Work Management process. This role focuses on proactive planning of routine and outage work, supporting technicians and contractors through well-prepared job packages and effective coordination with Operations, Engineering, Stores, and Procurement.
What you need to succeed:
Associate degree2–3 years of experience in a manufacturing maintenance environmentKnowledge of Pulping & Paper Making Processes and EquipmentProven ability to troubleshoot and solve mechanical and planning-related problemsCommitment to continuous improvement and results-driven performanceProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Word)Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety procedures, and maintenance instructionsStrong written communication skills for reports, correspondence, and documentationAbility to organize and maintain complex records and data setsSolid mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial equipmentEffective collaboration skills across departments and functionsAbility to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneouslyStrong organizational and time management skillsClear and professional verbal communication skills for interactions with technicians, supervisors, and stakeholders
How you will impact Smurfit WestRock:
Work Order ManagementHelp screen and scope incoming work orders; ensure proper coding and documentationPlan routine and outage work orders, including work scope, labor estimates, materials, tools, and safety requirementsBuild and maintain a backlog of ready-to-schedule workUpdate Computerized Maintenance Management System (JDE) and other systems with job plans, history, and feedbackJob PlanningDevelop enhanced job scopes or comprehensive job packets with critical information and step-by-step instructionsCollaborate with Stores and Procurement to source and kit partsCreate model/template work orders for recurring tasksIncorporate technician and supervisor feedback to improve plansShutdown & Outage SupportAssist in planning and coordinating shutdowns, including contractor oversight and Gantt chart updatesParticipate in critiques and implement follow-up actionsReliability & Continuous ImprovementSupport Root Cause Failure Analysis investigations and implement corrective actionsUpdate Preventive Maintenance Work Orders and Equipment Bill of Materials basedRecommend design changes and participate in Management of Change processesSafety & ComplianceIntegrate safety requirements into all job plansEnsure compliance with mill procedures, Safe Work Plans, and regulatory standards
Compensation Offered
Benefits Offered
Smurfit WestRock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and WestRock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).
What we offer:
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunitiesAn 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. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. The salary range for this position is $87,000.00 - $145,000.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at and the application window is expected to close by 31-Mar-2026.