Principal EngineerLewiston is Clearwater Paper's original manufacturing facility and home to nearly 700 dedicated team members who power our site. Together, we make paperboard used in products across the United States, including food packaging, plates, cups and more. Home to the first mill that produced poster board from wood waste, the site currently operates two paper machines, two extruders, two power boilers and two recovery boilers.Located where the Snake and Clearwater rivers meet on the Idaho-Washington border, Lewiston offers an active outdoor lifecycle with easy access to fishing, boating, hiking and camping. The region's milder climate means more rain than snow in the winter and long, sunny days in the summer.Living here means you'll be close to Lewis-Clark State College, University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Walla Walla Community College, as well as strong local K–12 school districts.The Principal Engineer serves as the primary subject matter expert in paperboard production across a diverse portfolio of paperboard production machines capable of producing the full spectrum of products. This role is responsible for leading in collaboration with the plant managers and paper machine teams, the development and deployment of production asset reliability strategy integrating technical support, product development, quality systems and predictive maintenance programs with a focus on improving productivity and operating efficiencies. As one of the technical leaders, the Principal Engineer will be called up to lead short & long-term process improvement and capital projects ranging from machine management to environmental and safety programs. This role is will also be responsible for collaborating with the plants to assist with operations, outages, maintenance, technical analysis, safety, and engineering & operations capability development.Technical and Operational ConsultationServes as principle internal subject matter expert to support in identifying and resolving paper machine operations and process related opportunities, leveraging lean manufacturing tools, root cause analysis, and other troubleshooting methodologiesResearch, identify and develop projects and process improvement areas to support improvement in paper board production & product developmentCollaborate across the company to gain alignment as a subject matter expertDevelop & execution project plans supporting the 5+year strategy for paper machinesServe as principle contact to outside contractors and service providers, providing leadership and direction delivering projects and services within budget and time constraintsContinuous ImprovementChampion a culture of continuous improvementIdentify opportunities to improve overall performance through development and deployment of maintenance standards; process engineering, machine design/layoutSupport product quality systems and process documentation throughout manufacturing footprint delivering consistent products with a commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations as a preferred SBS board supplierLeverage engineering technical expertise through collaboration with sales & marketing to identify market opportunities by providing technical insights into asset capabilitiesCommunicate identified best practices and ensure long term application across the networkOrganizes and manages chemical and clothing vendor agreements in conjunction with procurement and manufacturingEngineering and Production Capability BuildingFoster an operating environment that encourages employee engagement through demonstration and modelling of Clearwater Paper's Core ValuesDrive a culture of technical collaboration throughout Paper Machine Superintendents, Supervisors, & Process EngineersEnable technical and quality sustainment plan by promoting developing and transferring knowledge across departmentsKey Competencies & AttributesStrong capability in capital project planning and management with strong analytical skill to leverage data to drive quantitative and analytically based business decisions and take smart risksDemonstrated leadership courage to identify and communicate project risks; develop, align resources and communicate countermeasures to mitigate risksAble to think strategically and act tactically, hands onDemonstrated ability to lead in a matrixed and highly collaborative environment to influence change and core processesConfidence in dealing with ambiguity; bringing different perspectives to light and rallying others to aligned goals and objectivesHigh degree of business curiosity; quick learner with a proactive and agile mindsetOptimistically looks toward future for opportunities to innovate and improveExceptional communication skills (written and verbal); leading and presenting complex materials for various audiencesDemonstrated experience in influencing across diverse team– creating a vision, strategy, gaining alignment, developing plans and tactics to ensure deliveryDemonstrated strong change management skills; aligning and bringing others along- act to improve culture, process, productsDemonstrated ability to understand the organizational impact in decision making; see the big picture and put it into action plansAbility to operate with a high degree of autonomy while ensuring alignment across multiple stakeholders, self-starter with ability and desire to collaborate with teamsWhat you will needBachelor's Degree in Engineering, or related field10+ years of progressive responsibility in paper machine production - process engineering and manufacturing5+ years budgetary responsibilities (Project or Operating Budget)Experience in paper industry requiredExperience in both manufacturing, commercial (sales) or vendor management requiredCertifications in Project Management, TPM or Continuous Improvement (Six Sigma Green Belt/Blackbelt) desired but not requiredCertified Project Management (PMP) and change management methodologies preferredDemonstrated commitment to ongoing personal development through continuing education, coaching, and developing othersHighly adept performing at a fast pace communicating and collaborating across multiple stakeholdersConfident and proficient in navigating in an automated environment with proficiency in MS Office Suite, multiple business intelligence databasesHigh speed manufacturing environment, sustained exposure to high frequency noises, multiple hours standing, walking on concrete surfaces environmentPersonal Protective Equipment required in mill environmentDirt, noise, odor, & temperature extremesClimbing stairs, ladders, and scaffoldingExposure to hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing processTravel approximately 10-20% of the timeTotal Rewards DetailsWe prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. This position is eligible for our Incentive Plan.
Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and geographic location.
Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off will include vacation days, personal days, and company holidays.Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.