Principal Controls Engineer

Purpose and Intent A collaborative, multiu2011disciplined team aligned to support Smurfit WestRocku2019s Corrugated and Consumer Mill operations. We are committed to maximizing business performance across the mill system through close partnership with mill leadership, prioritizing assessments, benchmarking, and standardized processes. By directing resources to the most impactful opportunities, we drive resultsu2011based initiatives that enhance operational excellence. Our focus on Process Optimization, Reliability, Engineering, Program Management, and Business Management Systems enables consistent, datau2011driven decisionu2011making that delivers maximum value for Smurfit WestRock and its shareholders. FUNCTION: Electrical and Controls Engineering Management and technical leadership of standard practices, procedures, and systems related to the Electrical & Control (E&C) Systems within paper mills. Primary methods include 1) definition of standard E&C guidelines and specifications, 2) facilitation of improvements through capital and optimization efforts, and 3) development, execution, and management of systems to continuously measure Electrical, Regulatory, and Advanced Control systemsu2019 performances that result in better mill KPI and business outcomes. u00a7 Drive consistency, strategic planning and sustainability through robust processes designed to allow individual business units to focus on implementation and performance. u00a7 Develop company-wide design standards u00a7 Set supplier performance expectations u00a7 Establish long-term obsolescence strategy u00a7 Develop/manage systemwide installed base analysis KEY SUPPORT AREA - Electrical Engineering Management and technical leadership of standard practices, procedures, and programs related to power distribution and generation, motor control, relay coordination, and variable frequency drives, including coordinated paper machine drive systems as they pertain to the operation and maintenance of paper mills. u00a7 Lead the development and upkeep of all Corporate Electrical Specifications and Best Practices. u00a7 Maintain Smurfit WestRock electrical equipment surveys and utilize to track obsolescence and prioritize mill 5-year capital plans. u00a7 Lead the implementation of new technology related to enhancing electrical safety and reliability. Stay abreast of all major technological developments in these areas. Job Summary Reporting to the MTI Director, Electrical and Controls Engineering, the Principal Electrical Engineer provides operational, project, and technical support to the other MTI functional groups and to local Mill Departments as needed. This position supports capital projects and provides technical support in all of Smurfit Westrocku2019s paper mills in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Travel is required. Role Responsibilities Provide technical assistance to mills as needed on existing power distribution and generation, motor control, relay coordination, and variable frequency drives, including coordinated paper machine drive systems. Facilitate the transfer of Best Practices/Technology between the mills. Support mill annual outages as requirements dictate and scheduling permits. Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans. Support FEP-1, -2 & -3 development. Foster good stakeholder (Operations, Maintenance and Engineering) relationships to develop defined, clear and concise project requirements that are tied to business goals. Provide E&C technical support to Division Mill Engineering Project Managers on Class A projects. Provide technical E&C support to mill project managers on critical (high priority) projects. Collaborate with engineering consultants, manufacturers and third-party integrators during conceptual design. Review project design drawings, specifications and other documents produced by engineering consultants, manufacturers and third-party integrators to verify technical accuracy. Ensure project compliance with FM requirements, NFPA regulatory documents, BLRBAC standards on recovery boilers and manufacturers recommendations on turbine generators. Review construction to assure compliance with project requirements and specifications. Work with contractors to address technical issues and meet schedule requirements. Direct or lead project consultants during the construction and startup phases of projects. Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of control systems, drive systems, switchgear, generators, and other major electrical equipment. Lead or assist in the checkout and startup of major capital projects as directed. Conduct and document post project reviews to determine areas for future improvement. Review power studies (short circuit, load flow, relay coordination and arc flash) performed by outside consultants for the mills. Perform power studies as necessary to support projects. Maintain centralized directory of mill EasyPower electrical models. Track changes to ensure integrity of models to support project and management of change. Assist with Recovery Boiler and Turbine Generator Safety Audits. Assist Electrical Roundtables as requested. Skills and Qualifications Bacheloru2019s Degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related degree. Minimum of 10+ years of project management or related experience in an industrial environment. Process knowledge of Paper Machines, Recovery and Power Boilers, Batch and Continuous Digesters, OCC/DLK Plants, Steam/Gas Turbines, Lime Kiln and Caustic Plants, Woodyards, and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Proficiency with EasyPower electrical system modeling software to perform short circuit, arc flash, load flow and relay coordination studies is required. Experience in programming and setup of Multilin and/or SEL digital protection relays. Ability to analyze relay event files and oscillography is required. Familiarity with testing and commissioning requirements for electrical equipment including breakers, transformers, reactors, switches, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCu2019s), motors and cables is required. Knowledge of the design and operation of turbine generator governor and excitation systems (esp. GE Mark VIe and Triconex) is preferred. Experience in coordination and implementation with new and upgraded drive systems and power distribution installations/startups is required. Excellent problem-solving ability - Determining causes of operating errors, developing and implementing sustainable solutions. Customer focused, continually seeking innovative ways to improve project execution. Strong leadership abilities including critical thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Systems Analysis Knowledge and Skills - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. Strong organizational and leadership skills. 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.

Created: 2026-03-02