Purpose and Intent
A collaborative, multi‑disciplined team aligned to support Smurfit WestRock’s Corrugated and Consumer Mill operations. We are committed to maximizing business performance across the mill system through close partnership with mill leadership, prioritizing assessments, benchmarking, and standardized processes.
By directing resources to the most impactful opportunities, we drive results‑based initiatives that enhance operational excellence. Our focus on Process Optimization, Reliability, Engineering, Program Management, and Business Management Systems enables consistent, data‑driven decision‑making that delivers maximum value for Smurfit WestRock and its shareholders.
FUNCTION: Electrical and Controls Engineering
Management and technical leadership of standard practices, procedures, and systems related to the Electrical & Control (E&C) Systems within paper mills. Primary methods include 1) definition of standard E&C guidelines and specifications, 2) facilitation of improvements through capital and optimization efforts, and 3) development, execution, and management of systems to continuously measure Electrical, Regulatory, and Advanced Control systems’ performances that result in better mill KPI and business outcomes.
§ Drive consistency, strategic planning and sustainability through robust processes designed to allow individual business units to focus on implementation and performance.
§ Develop company-wide design standards
§ Set supplier performance expectations
§ Establish long-term obsolescence strategy
§ Develop/manage systemwide installed base analysis
KEY SUPPORT AREA – Electrical Engineering
Management and technical leadership of standard practices, procedures, and programs related to power distribution and generation, motor control, relay coordination, and variable frequency drives, including coordinated paper machine drive systems as they pertain to the operation and maintenance of paper mills.
§ Lead the development and upkeep of all Corporate Electrical Specifications and Best Practices.
§ Maintain Smurfit WestRock electrical equipment surveys and utilize to track obsolescence and prioritize mill 5-year capital plans.
§ Lead the implementation of new technology related to enhancing electrical safety and reliability. Stay abreast of all major technological developments in these areas.
Job Summary
Reporting to the MTI Director, Electrical and Controls Engineering, the Principal Electrical Engineer provides operational, project, and technical support to the other MTI functional groups and to local Mill Departments as needed. This position supports capital projects and provides technical support in all of Smurfit Westrock’s paper mills in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Travel is required.
Role Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance to mills as needed on existing power distribution and generation, motor control, relay coordination, and variable frequency drives, including coordinated paper machine drive systems. Facilitate the transfer of Best Practices/Technology between the mills. Support mill annual outages as requirements dictate and scheduling permits. Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans. Support FEP-1, -2 & -3 development. Foster good stakeholder (Operations, Maintenance and Engineering) relationships to develop defined, clear and concise project requirements that are tied to business goals. Provide E&C technical support to Division Mill Engineering Project Managers on Class A projects. Provide technical E&C support to mill project managers on critical (high priority) projects. Collaborate with engineering consultants, manufacturers and third-party integrators during conceptual design. Review project design drawings, specifications and other documents produced by engineering consultants, manufacturers and third-party integrators to verify technical accuracy. Ensure project compliance with FM requirements, NFPA regulatory documents, BLRBAC standards on recovery boilers and manufacturers recommendations on turbine generators. Review construction to assure compliance with project requirements and specifications. Work with contractors to address technical issues and meet schedule requirements. Direct or lead project consultants during the construction and startup phases of projects. Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of control systems, drive systems, switchgear, generators, and other major electrical equipment. Lead or assist in the checkout and startup of major capital projects as directed. Conduct and document post project reviews to determine areas for future improvement. Review power studies (short circuit, load flow, relay coordination and arc flash) performed by outside consultants for the mills. Perform power studies as necessary to support projects. Maintain centralized directory of mill EasyPower electrical models. Track changes to ensure integrity of models to support project and management of change. Assist with Recovery Boiler and Turbine Generator Safety Audits. Assist Electrical Roundtables as requested.Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related degree. Minimum of 10+ years of project management or related experience in an industrial environment. Process knowledge of Paper Machines, Recovery and Power Boilers, Batch and Continuous Digesters, OCC/DLK Plants, Steam/Gas Turbines, Lime Kiln and Caustic Plants, Woodyards, and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Proficiency with EasyPower electrical system modeling software to perform short circuit, arc flash, load flow and relay coordination studies is required. Experience in programming and setup of Multilin and/or SEL digital protection relays. Ability to analyze relay event files and oscillography is required. Familiarity with testing and commissioning requirements for electrical equipment including breakers, transformers, reactors, switches, switchgear, motor control centers (MCC’s), motors and cables is required. Knowledge of the design and operation of turbine generator governor and excitation systems (esp. GE Mark VIe and Triconex) is preferred. Experience in coordination and implementation with new and upgraded drive systems and power distribution installations/startups is required. Excellent problem-solving ability - Determining causes of operating errors, developing and implementing sustainable solutions. Customer focused, continually seeking innovative ways to improve project execution. Strong leadership abilities including critical thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Systems Analysis Knowledge and Skills - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.