Senior Metallurgical Engineer PositionAs part of the Materials Technical and Innovation (MTI) group, the Senior Metallurgical Engineer provides technical support to ensure safe and environmentally sound operations with the greatest return on investment regarding quality, cost and production. This position provides technical support to our North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific Mills. Travel is required.The Senior Metallurgical Engineer supports mill reliability and asset performance by:Contributing to root cause failure analyses that prevent recurring equipment failuresSupporting materials and corrosion evaluations critical to safe, reliable operationEnabling consistent application of metallurgical standards and guidelines across millsProviding hands-on technical assistance during outages and auditsThis role plays a key part in improving asset availability, predictability, and lifecycle cost through disciplined technical analysis and collaboration with mill teams.Key responsibilities include:Supporting cultural improvement in safety, inclusion, and engagement by serving as a role model for Smurfit Westrock Vision/Values/Behaviors.Promoting and following Company and Mill safe work practices and proceduresSupporting reliability initiatives aimed at maximizing mill asset availability, efficiency, and predictability.Providing on-site materials and engineering assistance during major mill outages.Performing evaluation and root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on components received from paper mills and developing actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.Facilitating the transfer of Best Practices/Technology between the mills.Assisting in materials selection to address corrosion mechanisms encountered in pulp and paper mill environments.Providing metallurgical and materials engineering support during: Power and Recovery Boiler auditsNon-fired pressure vessel and tank auditsDeveloping new and updating existing corporate guidelines as necessary for the continued reliability of Mill's assets.Keeping abreast of non-destructive testing methods and applicationsDevelop working knowledge of Smurfit Westrock Corporate Guidelines and have a current working knowledge of the following industry standards:ASME Code BooksNational Board Inspection Code (NBIC)American Petroleum Institute (API) CodesAmerican Welding Society (AWS) StandardsBlack Liquor Recovery Boiler Advisory Committee (BLRBAC) guidanceLearn and apply laboratory equipment and processes used to prepare and analyze metallurgical samples. Utilize data and analysis to support reliability improvement efforts and technical recommendations.Act as a role model for Smurfit Westrock's Vision, Values, and Behaviors. Promote and follow all company and mill safety policies and procedures.
Support a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement. Communicate effectively with mill personnel, reliability engineers, and other MTI stakeholders.Technical qualifications include:Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science (required)Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the Pulp and Paper industry or other industrial work environment.General knowledge of: Pressure Vessel (fired and non-fired) and Tank InspectionCorrosion mechanisms and mitigationMaterials propertiesFailure analysis techniquesProficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Strong troubleshooting skills with a focus on root cause and long-term solutions. Ability to analyze operating failures and develop sustainable corrective actions. Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail and safety.Ability to communicate and coordinate across multiple organizational levels and functions. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Customer-focused approach when supporting mills and internal stakeholders.Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-changing operational environments. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Willingness to work in an on-call environment, including occasional weekends. Self-directed, flexible, and eager to learn. Strong interpersonal and time management skills.
Effective working independently and within team-based environments.Expected travel up to ~70% to support mill sites, outages, and audits. On-site and field-based work required, including exposure to industrial environments and laboratory settings.Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000Qualified 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 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, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Aug-2026.