Internship Optimization Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Fibers Process Engineer

PG 13 - 15 (Based on experience)

Role Summary

The Fibers Process Engineer is responsible for improving pulp quality, reducing costs, stabilizing operations, and increasing equipment reliability across the Fibers area.  The Fibers area includes Chip Screening, Digester, Bleach Plant, and Pulp Dryer. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, and mill engineering to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable manufacturing results.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety performance and sustainability, environmental performance, production, and operating costs through datadriven process improvements.
• Acquire the knowledge needed to provide technical support to operating teams and Area Process Managers (APMs).
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives, including becoming Green Belt certified (or higher).
• Support capital improvement projects, including technical justification and FrontEnd Loading (FEL) activities.
• Lead or support process engineering activities such as digester and bleaching optimization, pulp quality investigations, audits, inspections, trials, technology evaluations, and department performance dashboard updates.
• Coordinate and support operator technical training related to Fibers processes and control strategies.
• Participate in on-call rotation to support operational needs.
• Actively participate in mill and department safety processes, including risk assessments and incident investigations.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead or support Manufacturing Excellence (ME) department initiatives to improve process stability, long-term performance, and reduce operating costs.
• Implement and sustain systems that lock in improvements and build a foundation to grow from.
• Provide hands-on technical support to operators and maintenance to address day-to-day process and equipment concerns.
• Analyze and trend operating data, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Evaluate process layouts, flows, and balances and coordinate process or equipment modifications as needed.
• Plan, execute, and analyze process trials and validate the accuracy of the data. Communicate clear conclusions or recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Paper Science and Engineering (required).
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a paper mill or related heavy industrial environment
  (Co-op or internship experience considered).
• Strong process troubleshooting, analytical, and problemsolving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Power BI, SharePoint, PI data systems, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and deliver results with minimal supervision.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.