Director Paper Mill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Twin Rivers Paper Company, headquartered in Madawaska, Maine, is an integrated specialty paper manufacturer producing 400,000 tons of paper per year for the packaging, publishing, label, and technical sectors. With 100 years of papermaking history, the company operates a pulp mill in New Brunswick, and diverse paper assets in northern Maine and upstate New York that produce uncoated and coated white papers in a broad range of basis weights and finishes.
Customized product development and dedicated technical services support are company hallmarks. With a sound financial structure and a strong balance sheet that fuels continuous investments in its assets, Twin Rivers Paper offers its customers the security of local product availability through a strong, domestically-owned manufacturer and the assurance of long-term viability.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Mechanical Engineer is a key technical and leadership role within the Engineering organization, responsible for leading capital projects, major maintenance initiatives, and providing advanced mechanical engineering expertise in a paper manufacturing environment. This role will provide hands-on engineering support while leading cross-functional teams, managing contractors, tracking Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and major maintenance budgets, and ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of paper mill equipment and systems.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Provide advanced mechanical engineering support for paper manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and reliability improvements.
• Lead engineering activities related to shutdowns, rebuilds, major overhauls, and equipment installations.
• Serve as technical authority for mechanical systems including rotating equipment, pressure vessels, piping, drives, bearings, couplings, and alignment systems.
• Direct and document optical and laser alignment activities; maintain field notes and alignment records.
• Ensure compliance with ASME codes, OSHA regulations, and company safety and environmental standards.
• Lead and manage capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, cost estimating, scheduling, execution, and closeout.
• Develop engineering specifications, drawings, and bid packages; review contractor proposals and contract documents.
• Track and manage CapEx and major maintenance budgets, including forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting to management.
• Utilize project management tools (e.g., MS Project) to manage schedules, resources, and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support to maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, availability, and lifecycle cost.
• Partner with Maintenance leadership and the reliability team to support preventative, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies.
• Participate in failure investigations and recommend corrective actions and design improvements.
• Lead and mentor engineers, technicians, and project team members; provide technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Coordinate and supervise outside contractors, vendors, and consultants.
• Act as a functional lead during outages and major maintenance events.
• Support succession planning efforts by developing leadership, communication, and decision-making skills necessary for future advancement.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure all engineering and contractor activities adhere to company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Ensure mechanical systems and projects comply with applicable codes, standards, and environmental regulations.
• Evaluate sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of engineering projects and equipment modifications.
• Serve as the point of contact for external vendors conducting audits, surveys, or inspections. Ensure findings are reviewed, documented, and addressed promptly.
• Adhere to all plant safety and GMP policies. Follow the Twin Rivers Food Safety Policy and procedures when performing all tasks.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in paper manufacturing or paper converting operations strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading capital projects and major maintenance initiatives.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience managing CapEx budgets and long-range capital planning.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience.
COMPETENCIES
Strong working knowledge of:
o Paper mill equipment and processes
o ASME Section VIII (pressure vessels) and applicable mechanical codes
o Rotating equipment, gearboxes, bearings, couplings, drives, and lubrication systems
o Optical and laser alignment techniques
o Mechanical design, drafting, and AutoCAD
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and MS Project.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, including operations, maintenance, contractors, and senior leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and drive results.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to:
• Participate in on-call rotation as required.
• Travel and overtime may be required based on project and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support mill objectives.
• Bend, climb stairs, and access all areas of equipment, including elevated and confined spaces.
• Operate and inspect machinery safely and effectively.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal forms.
SALARY RANGE
$85,000 - $125,000, depending on experience
Also eligible for additional bonus earnings
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.