Principal Advanced Process Control (APC) Design & Support Engineer

Sylvamo - Memphis, TN

Full-time - Principal

Memphis, TN

Paper Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Advanced Process Control (APC) Design & Support Engineer at Sylvamo is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced process control solutions to optimize paper and pulp manufacturing processes across the enterprise mill fleet. This role requires a deep understanding of process control, APC systems, sensors, and measurements, along with strong leadership skills to drive technical development and operational improvements. The engineer will act as a principal expert in guiding cross-functional teams to ensure process stability, efficiency, and continuous improvement, leveraging data analytics and control theory to enhance process performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement APC strategies to optimize process control and achieve business and digital transformation objectives.
• Design and execute advanced process control strategies that enhance process stability, minimize variability, improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and optimize throughput.
• Lead the technical development of APC capital projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Continuously assess and refine APC strategies to align with evolving business objectives and technological advancements.
• Define and manage the contents of service agreements related to APC systems.
• Teach and mentor teams across the organization, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Travel to mill sites to strategize ongoing sustainability plans for control maintainability.
• Develop and implement sustainable systems and products that enhance process performance.
• Develop detailed documentation for APC systems and processes.
• Provide training to ensure knowledge transfer and operational excellence.
• Ensure ongoing alignment to digital transformation strategic approach and execution.
• Lead the sustain and ongoing benefits from advanced process control programs across the mill fleet.
• Demonstrate strong diagnostic skills to analyze control loop performance, with the ability to identify and implement necessary tuning adjustments.
• Ensure seamless integration of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Quality Control Systems (QCS) with APC solutions.
• Conduct experimental trials to validate models and refine control strategies, ensuring models are robust and accurately reflect real-world conditions.
• Lead efforts to upgrade, optimize and modernize control systems to improve process accuracy, data collection, and system reliability.
• Lead initiatives to optimize control algorithms, ensuring they meet or exceed operational performance targets.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor process performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 25 years of experience in process control and APC, with a strong background in designing and implementing advanced control systems.
• Strong paper and pulp industry experience both at or with OEM's and at a paper manufacturing company.
• Led over $100M in process control programs over the course of career.
• Strong in process modeling, control theory, and optimization techniques.
• Strong familiarity with industrial automation systems, SCADA, and PLCs.
• Prior leadership experience both directly and indirectly.
• Extensive knowledge of DCS and QCS systems, including configuration, maintenance, and optimization.
• Advanced skills in process control software and tools such as Valmet, Andritz, Voith or equivalent platforms.
• Strong background in data analytics, including the use of machine learning and statistical analysis to enhance control strategies.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex technical projects, from concept through implementation and optimization.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated capability to mentor and develop technical talent within the organization.
• Relevant certifications in process control, automation, or data analytics.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays