The Production Engineer supports, directs, and coordinates processes and process changes primarily for the Paper Machines. This role adopts, promotes, and makes process recommendations based on best practices and current technical information. The Production Engineer utilizes knowledge of product design, quality control systems, raw materials, and equipment capabilities to provide technical advice and service. The position also supports projects, including Lean Six Sigma.
Additionally, the Production Engineer supports improved productivity, operating costs, and product quality through training, work instructions, and SOPs. The role provides estimates of savings and increased productivity through trial work and the management of change process (MOC).
Major Job Responsibilities:
The Production Engineer will be a key member of the paper machine management team. This position will work collaboratively with the Superintendent, Maintenance Coordinator, Shift Supervisors, and Operating crews to meet safety, quality, production, and financial objectives for the paper machine area. Some key responsibilities include:
Coordinating trials with technical groups to meet established productivity, quality and safety goals.
Troubleshooting and identifying solutions to daily productivity and quality issues.
Developing and managing operator training materials and operating procedures for all unit operations
Estimates production times and related costs to provide information for management decisions. Works collaboratively with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
Applies statistical methods and data analysis methods to troubleshoot and improve operations.
Drive process improvement by leading Lean Six Sigma projects, identifying project solutions including capital and non-capital solutions, and participate on project teams to implement solutions.
Plan and coordinate long-term enhancement projects necessary to improve safety, quality, efficiency, productivity and reduce costs.
Partner with the other operating areas in paper and pulp operations to achieve and maintain the budgeted uptime, yield and overall efficiency.
Requirements:
Understanding of paper machine operations is preferred.
BS degree in Engineering, paper science, or equivalent is required.
Minimum 1-5 years prior experience in paper manufacturing or other manufacturing.
Computer knowledge – background in Microsoft suite, Minitab, Proficy, SAP, etc. is preferred.
Sappi North America is a division of Sappi Limited, a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with manufacturing operations on four continents in nine countries with sales offices in 50 countries. The Cloquet Mill, located on the banks of the St. Louis River, produces some of the highest quality heavyweight web and sheet fed products in the world. The original mill opened in 1898 and has undergone a variety of changes and improvements over the years, most-recently (2013) to convert the pulp mill into a producer of Verve, a dissolving wood pulp used primarily for the textile markets. With the conversion, the pulp mill is now able to swing between dissolving wood pulp and Kraft pulp based on market needs. With a focus on responsible and sustainable operations, the Cloquet Mill is focused on energy savings improvements which have led to local, state, and national environmental recognition.