Job Information
Smurfit Westrock Process Control Engineer in Hodge, Louisiana
The Opportunity:
The Process Control Engineer will support mill operations through the design, implementation, and optimization of process control systems. This role will work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve reliability, performance, safety, and product quality. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career engineers interested in industrial automation, advanced process control, and large-scale manufacturing.
Task/responsibilities:
Support Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, and related instrumentation
Assist in troubleshooting control system issues impacting production
Develop and tune PID control loops
Support implementation of regulatory and advanced process control strategies
Analyze process data to identify performance improvement opportunities
Participate in capital projects related to automation and controls
Ensure compliance with safety standards and mill cybersecurity policies
Collaborate with operations to improve uptime, stability, and quality
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Bachelor\u2019s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Controls Engineering and Technology (ICET), or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Interest in automation, process control, and manufacturing systems
Ability to work in an industrial mill environment
Preferred:
Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing
Exposure to DCS/PLC systems (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Rockwell)
Basic understanding of process control theory (PID, feedback control)
Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, OSI PI, etc.)
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
Hands-on experience in a large-scale industrial environment
Exposure to complex integrated pulp and paper processes
Mentorship from experienced process control professionals
Opportunities to work on advanced regulatory and model-based control systems
Career progression within engineering and operations leadership
WHY SMURFIT WESTROCK
Industry-leading safety culture
Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
Competitive salary and benefits package
Strong internal promotion and career development pathways
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Industrial paper mill setting
Combination of office and fieldwork
Share in a rotating on call schedule: 1 week every 5 weeks (24/7 support during assigned weeks)
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.
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.