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Paper Mill Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Stevenson, AL · On-site

... mill operating areas. This position manages and supports the implementation of capital projects ... The Stevenson Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two ...

Westrock

Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Stevenson, AL · On-site

... mill operating areas. This position manages and supports the implementation of capital projects ... The Stevenson Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two ...

International Paper

Area Process Manager-Pulp

Selma, AL

$108K - $144K/yr

Build effective systems and materials such as operating procedures (SOP), troubleshooting documents ... in a paper mill. * Proven Safety Leadership Skills * Proven Leadership of hourly employees ...

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All JobsPaper Mill Operator JobsPaper Mill Operator Jobs in Alabama

Paper Mill Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do paper mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper mill operator in Alabama is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Paper Mill Operator vs Paper Machine Tender?

AspectPaper Mill OperatorPaper Machine Tender
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma; technical training or certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating machinery in a paper millSame manufacturing plant, focusing on operating and monitoring paper machines
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating paper production equipment, monitoring quality, maintaining machineryAdjusting machine settings, troubleshooting, ensuring continuous paper production

Both roles work within paper manufacturing plants, requiring technical skills and machinery operation. While Paper Mill Operators oversee overall production and quality, Paper Machine Tenders focus more on operating and fine-tuning paper machines during production. The roles are closely related, often overlapping, but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.

What are some common challenges Paper Mill Operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively address them?

Paper Mill Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and managing tight production schedules. To address these issues, operators are trained to troubleshoot equipment quickly, follow strict safety and maintenance protocols, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Staying vigilant and proactive, as well as participating in ongoing training, helps operators adapt to changing production demands and minimize downtime.

What does a Paper Mill Operator do?

A Paper Mill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the machinery used to produce paper products in a manufacturing facility. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls, inspecting finished products for quality, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Operators must ensure that safety and environmental regulations are followed while keeping the production process running smoothly. They may also handle raw materials, keep detailed records, and perform basic maintenance on equipment.

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

To thrive as a Paper Mill Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, computerized control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain a safe working environment in the mill.
What are popular job titles related to Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama? For Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Paper Mill Operator jobs in Alabama are:
Paper Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Mill Operator job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,364 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Staff Eng, Proj Engineering

Westrock

Stevenson, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR61795
Posting Job Title
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
Locations
AL Stevenson
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
06-May-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Project / Sr. Project Engineer manages and completes numerous projects that span multiple engineering disciplines and mill operating areas. This position manages and supports the implementation of capital projects within the mill as well as supporting the mill reliability and improvement efforts. The position requires strong project management and technical skills to coordinate different disciplines within the Engineering department, Operations, Maintenance, consulting engineers, and vendors. This position is located onsite at the Stevenson, AL paper mill.
The Stevenson Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two machines that manufacture corrugated medium from both hardwood virgin fiber and OCC and is one of North America's largest semi-chemical pulp and paper mill. Stevenson, Alabama is centrally located between Chattanooga, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama. This is a unionized facility with approximately 418 employees.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK:
  • Manage and complete maintenance repair projects during annual shutdowns
  • Provide engineering expertise to Operations and Maintenance departments to help resolve various operating problems
  • Perform capital project development and execution that satisfies the promised scope, budget, objectives, and schedule while meeting all safety and environmental expectations.

  • Develop capital projects in established phases so that all aspects of the project are thoroughly evaluated, and project risk is identified
  • Lead projects through all phases of the project life cycle including business planning, scope development/technical alternative analysis, project planning, design, construction, and setting up critical recommended spares as storeroom stocked items.
  • Forecast capital spending for each project
  • Support document controls including checking drawings in and out of the system and transmitting documents; coordinate development of drawings and specifications

  • Coordinate with the different disciplines within the Engineering Department on assigned projects
  • Initiate purchase requisitions for equipment, labor, and materials for assigned capital and repair projects.
  • Manage the direction of consultants, contractors, and maintenance work associated with assigned capital and repair projects.
  • May have additional duties to support Operations and Maintenance personnel and departments in operating areas of the mill on nights, weekends, and holidays

  • Mentor Engineering Co-ops to sustain the technical company workforce and to increase the engineering department's productivity.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 4 - 10 years of capital project experience in heavy industrial or process industries, Pulp and Paper experience preferred
  • Strong analytical, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and use problem solving tools
  • Competency in project management tools and software, such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project, and process historical data software (PI Vision).

Keywords: mechanical project engineer, mechanical engineer, project engineer, senior project engineer, mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, capital projects, capital project engineer, capital projects engineer, senior capital projects engineer, capital project manager, senior capital project engineer, spending, budgets, scheduling, planning, capital spend, spend, commissioning, installation, winder, winders, paper machine, paper machines, liner, medium, kraft, lightweight, kraft paper, kraft board, corrugated medium, medium paper, paper, sbb, sbs, linerboard, paperboard
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
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.

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