1

Paper Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Must be currently enrolled student majoring in Chemical or Paper Engineering and have completed the freshman year but not surpassed senior status at University of Maine, Michigan Tech University ...

Engineer - Reliability

Filer City, MI

$95K - $120K/yr

As a Reliability Engineer at our paper mill facility, you will be responsible for ensuring the effective maintenance, repair, and optimization of mechanical equipment critical to the paper production ...

Submit technical papers and designs for publishing to technical journals - Collaborate with sales ... May supervise the work of junior engineers on project work. #LI-LH1 #LI-hybrid.

Controls Engineer

Southgate, MI · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Controls Engineer AJM Packaging Corporation Southgate, MI Position Overview - AJM Packaging Corporation, one of America's leading manufacturers of paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required. * 0-3 years in process engineering or production in the paper industry. * Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Preferred Qualifications

... paper rolls. If you enjoy solving problems in real time, partnering closely with operations and ... Why Engineers Are Drawn to Manistique People relocate to the Upper Peninsula for the lifestyle.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Paper Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$17.6K

$70.8K

$143.1K

How much do paper engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for paper engineer in Michigan is $70,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,248.00 and $96,599.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Paper Engineer might face when collaborating with designers and manufacturers?

Paper Engineers often work closely with graphic designers and manufacturers to turn creative concepts into functional paper structures, such as pop-up books or packaging. A common challenge is bridging the gap between artistic vision and the technical limitations of paper, such as weight, foldability, and durability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure that designs are both visually compelling and structurally sound, all while staying within budget and production timelines. Collaboration also frequently involves adapting to changes or troubleshooting prototypes, making flexibility and attention to detail important assets in this role.

What are paper engineers?

Paper engineers are professionals who design and create structures, mechanisms, and products using paper and cardboard. They are best known for developing pop-up books, greeting cards, packaging, and other intricate paper-based items that require engineering skills to ensure functionality and durability. Paper engineers combine creativity with technical knowledge of materials, folds, and mechanisms to turn flat sheets of paper into three-dimensional, interactive works.

What is the difference between Paper Engineer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPaper EngineerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDesign or engineering degree, specialized knowledge in paper and packagingDesign degree, portfolio, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, packaging companies, manufacturing settingsAdvertising agencies, media companies, freelance or corporate offices
Industry UsagePackaging, product design, paper artsAdvertising, branding, digital media

While both Paper Engineers and Graphic Designers work creatively, Paper Engineers focus on designing innovative paper-based structures and packaging, often requiring engineering knowledge. Graphic Designers primarily create visual content for branding and marketing. The roles overlap in creative problem-solving but differ in technical focus and industry applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paper Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paper Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, material science, and papermaking processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, paper testing equipment, and manufacturing process control systems is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for designing innovative paper products and optimizing production. These skills ensure efficient production, high-quality products, and the ability to meet evolving industry demands.
What are the most commonly searched types of Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Paper Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Paper Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Paper Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Paper Engineer job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 14% Temporary, 14% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,817 per year, or $34 per hour.
Supt., Paper Machine IV

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Graphic Packaging International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description


MISSION / SUMMARY:

This position provides direct leadership to production teams

and is an integral part of plant management driving

performance to achieve results consistent with

company direction and goals. This key position has

oversight of production improvements and supports

safe operations and operational efficiency.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Job functions include but are not limited to the following.

  • Leader in Safety program implementation and improvements.
  • Provides Technical expertise by working with

Operations; Maintenance; Quality; Customer

  • Services; Finance and Customers.
  • Provides support implementing best practices to

improve safety, quality, and productivity and cost

reduction.

  • Provides strong leadership and teamwork to make

a quality product while ensuring a safe and

efficient operation.

  • Attends and participates in department meetings

as scheduled.

  • Possesses strong communication skills, and be

able to work well on teams and individually.

  • Leader in Standard work and operate by the

Centerline/ guideline processes.

  • Strong in problem solving and implementing sustainable solutions.
  • Helps train and professionally develop staff members.
  • Examines procedures and recommends changes

to improve safety, quality, and operating efficiency, and to

maximize productivity.

  • Plans and executes trials to achieve desired results.
  • Participates in various team activities (Safety,

Lean-sigma, etc.), providing leadership to keep

team goals and results consistent with company

direction.

  • Leads team in implementation of structured troubleshooting and problem

techniques such as Kepner- Tregoe.

  • Fulfills duties of Manufacturing Manager in their absence (vacations, training, etc.)

on an as needed basis.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

A minimum of 5 years leadership/supervisory

experience in the paper industry.

Minimum of seven (7) years previous production

experience on paper machines.

Demonstrated involvement in the implementation

of safety initiatives.

BS in Paper Science or Chemical engineering

preferred but other engineering degree will be

considered.

Continuous Improvement – Lean Six-Sigma,

Lean/Six Sigma knowledge preferred.

SKILLS:

Dynamic, flexible team player with demonstrated

ability to lead, motivate and develop others.

Good Interpersonal skills and ability the to influence

people and build a strong, positive team culture.

Proficient with Word, Excel, and other software

applications as required for the business.

Strong organizational skills.

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office and other software

applications as required for the business.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasional Lifting up to 20 lbs.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up

to 8-hours.

Reading computer screen or other electronic

devices.

Use of various office hand and electrical tools or

equipment

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Integrity & Trust

Action Oriented

Drive for Results

Managerial Courage

Intellectual Horsepower

Priority Setting

Problem Solving

Managing through Systems

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLC is an

Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be


Required Experience



At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.


Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.


What Graphic Packaging International employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom