Process Control Engineer

WestRock - Cottonton, AL

Full-time - Mid Level

Cottonton, AL

Paper Manufacturing

About the position

The Process Control Engineer at WestRock Company is responsible for providing control systems and instrumentation expertise to support the safe production of quality paperboard and by-products at the Mahrt Mill. This role directly supports the Paper Machine and Color Plant departments, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while optimizing production processes.

Responsibilities

• Promote and participate in safety programs and departmental safety meetings.
• Troubleshoot quality issues and verify process instrumentation accuracy.
• Maintain control platforms and HMIs to maximize availability and performance.
• Utilize variability tools to recognize and correct process performance shifts.
• Manage remote access to control system HMIs and windows.
• Support Maintenance in executing work orders requiring Process Control Engineer support.
• Build and maintain PI Process Book displays and manage control-intensive capital jobs.
• Manage software changes and tools for DCS and PLC systems in the mill.
• Provide call support to Shift Maintenance and Operations for control system issues.
• Coordinate capital projects with company personnel, consultants, and contractors.
• Design and implement new hardware and software control packages to improve production and safety.
• Understand key cost drivers and assist with capital spending justifications.
• Ensure compliance with environmental policies and report any issues promptly.
• Maintain DCS documentation for ISO devices and support internal ISO audits.
• Train and develop junior Process Control Engineers and DCS Co-ops.
• Participate in productivity, quality, and diagnostic teams at the Mahrt Mill.
• Work on special projects as directed by Control System Group Leader.

Requirements

• Minimum of a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering, or a technical degree with 5-8 years of industry experience.
• Experience with DeltaV and Allen-Bradley systems is desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships and minimizing disagreements.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing working environments.
• Physical ability to operate in a paper mill environment, including light lifting and working in hot, humid, and dusty conditions.
• Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentation graphics.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the controls industry and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental compliance standards.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k with match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts
• Employee referral bonus
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities