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Paper Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$78K - $86K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people ...

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Showing results 1-20

Paper Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.5K

$82.8K

$167.3K

How much do paper engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for paper engineer in Chicago, IL is $82,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,030.00 and $112,906.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paper engineer?

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 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 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 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.

How much does a paper engineer make?

A paper engineer typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paper Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,772 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Field Service Engineer I - Pulp & Paper

Honeywell

Rosemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Travel to multiple Pulp & Paper customer sites to provide technical support, equipment maintenance, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

  • Support Honeywell QCS and EPKS/DCS control systems at customer facilities.

  • Support system upgrades, new installations, modernization projects, and new functionality.


Honeywell rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description


Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity
Honeywell's Field Service Engineers provide on-site installation, start-up, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and technical support for automation control systems and advanced manufacturing technologies. This position specifically supports Honeywell automation solutions within the Pulp & Paper industry, with a primary focus on Honeywell QCS (90%) and EPKS/DCS (10%) platforms.
Your Focus:
Support Pulp & Paper customers through maintenance, modernization, troubleshooting, system diagnostics, installations, upgrades, and plant outage support. This is a customer-facing, self-directed role requiring strong technical and problem-solving skills, with on-call responsibilities and up to 60% travel to customer sites throughout the Midwest and West. Primary service locations include Green Bay and Menasha, Wisconsin.
18-month Honeywell Training & Certification Program:
  • Commitment to an 18-month training program to obtain and maintain L3 CEAT (QCS L3) certification while performing normal job duties.
  • Up to 60% travel based on customer site requirements.

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Travel to multiple Pulp & Paper customer sites to provide technical support, equipment maintenance, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
  • Support Honeywell QCS and EPKS/DCS control systems at customer facilities.
  • Provide technical support during plant and machine outages.
  • Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, system diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
  • Support system upgrades, new installations, modernization projects, and new functionality.
  • Work directly with plant operators, plant management, contractors, third-party vendors, and Honeywell personnel.
  • Collaborate with Honeywell's Global Technical Assistance Center to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Perform on-site pre-start-up, start-up, warranty, contracted service, troubleshooting, and customer training.
  • Maintain system backups and support Windows OS and antivirus updates for applicable systems.
  • Review technical drawings, prints, specifications, manuals, and system documentation.
  • Participate in on-call/standby duties and respond to customer callouts as required.
  • Accurately document completed service and maintenance activities and prepare periodic reports using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Maintain proficiency in Honeywell products, installation practices, equipment protocols, and safety requirements.
  • Communicate professionally with customers while building and maintaining strong customer relationships.
  • Support and mentor peers while contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.

Qualifications
YOU MUST HAVE
  • High School Diploma
  • 1 year of professional experience in an engineering or technical field; military electronics experience may be considered equivalent
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to pass customer background checks and random drug testing
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
  • Basic Windows OS and Microsoft Office experience
  • Knowledge of system installation, configuration, and maintenance
  • Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities including standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping
  • Ability to work safely in Honeywell and customer HSE environments

*Engineering or technical experience may include field service, technical operations, industrial maintenance, process automation, pulp & paper or heavy manufacturing, prior military experience, development, or reliability engineering.
WE VALUE
  • Pulp & Paper industry experience
  • Veterans
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Science, Technology, or Mathematics
  • Associate's Degree in Industrial Engineering or Technology
  • Commitment to obtain and maintain L3 CEAT certification within 18 months (training provided)
  • Experience with industrial process control, instrumentation, or automation systems
  • Networking experience
  • Previous Field Service Technician/Engineer experience
  • Technical installation and commissioning experience
  • Familiarity with Honeywell products and control systems
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, drawings, schematics, and specifications
  • Electrical and mechanical systems knowledge
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and diagnostic tools
  • Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills with the ability to learn new analysis tools
  • Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR HONEYWELL
In addition to a competitive salary, leading-edge work, and developing solutions side-by-side with dedicated experts in their fields, Honeywell employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays.
Learn more: https://benefits.honeywell.com/
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting 8/28/2026; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
The annual base salary range for this position is $62,000 - $78,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
ABOUT HONEYWELL TECHNOLOGIES
Honeywell Technologies is a global, pure-play automation company with a legacy of innovating to help solve the world's most mission-critical challenges, enhancing the quality of life for people and communities around the world. We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Technologies Forge intelligence layer. By combining the deep domain expertise of our more than 50,000 employees with decades of data from our global installed base, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industrial sector's transition from automation to autonomy.
Learn more: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en
THE BUSINESS UNIT
Smart and connected field and analytical instrumentation, gas measurement and control, and terminal gauging and loading.
Honeywell is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.
Learn more: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/company/inclusion-and-engagement
About Us
Honeywell Technologies is a global, pure-play automation company with a legacy of innovating to help solve the world's most mission-critical challenges, enhancing the quality of life for people and communities around the world. We serve the building, industrial and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Technologies Forge intelligence layer. By combining the deep domain expertise of our more than 50,000 employees with decades of data from our global installed base, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industrial sector's transition from automation to autonomy.

What Honeywell employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

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Honeywell logo

About Honeywell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Honeywell is charging into the Industrial IoT revolution with the establishment of Honeywell Connected Enterprise (HCE), building on our heritage of invention and deep, on-the-ground industry expertise. HCE is the leading industrial disruptor, building and connecting software solutions to streamline and centralize the assets, people and processes that help our customers make smarter, more accurate business decisions. Moving at the speed of software, we are creating, innovating and delivering solutions fast, challenging the way things have always been done, piloting new ways for all of us to work, and expecting our successes to set new standards for our customers and for Honeywell. The Chief Architect for Honeywell Connected Enterprise will lead a team of architects and system engineers responsible for the design of applications and infrastructure that deliver high value outcomes for customers in industrial, buildings, distribution centers, and aerospace vertical markets. The Chief Architect will work directly with leadership, development teams, and offering management to design well integrated solutions that utilize software platforming to encourage reuse and speed to market.

Industry

Furniture manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1906