Virtual Assistant Civil Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Join the Cloquet Mill team and take on a highly visible role as the sole Civil/Structural Engineer supporting a world-class manufacturing facility with more than 700 employees. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve as the facility's civil and structural engineering expert, influencing major capital investments, infrastructure improvements, hydroelectric assets, and long-term site development initiatives. You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers and operations professionals while enjoying significant ownership, autonomy, and project leadership responsibility.

The Civil/Structural Engineer will lead projects within their discipline and provide expert engineering support to mechanical and electrical project managers involved in machine rebuilds, facility expansions, structural modifications, and site improvement projects. Responsibilities include designing, estimating, preparing capital appropriation requests, scheduling, developing equipment and construction specifications, coordinating construction activities, controlling project costs, and supporting commissioning and start-up efforts.

This role offers the opportunity to manage designers, vendors, consultants, and contractors while driving projects from concept through completion in a safe, cost-effective, and timely manner.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary Civil/Structural engineering resource for the Cloquet Mill, providing technical expertise and leadership across the site.
• Manage capital projects through all phases including feasibility studies, conceptual design, execution planning, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, optimization, and project close-out.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and cost estimates to support annual capital planning and budgeting efforts.
• Provide engineering and project management oversight for the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of plant structures, civil infrastructure, and facility systems.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, reliability, and project teams to support safe and efficient mill operations.
• Identify and implement infrastructure improvements that enhance reliability, safety, environmental performance, and operational efficiency.
• Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving related to structural and civil systems throughout the facility.
• Maintain professional and technical expertise through continuing education, industry engagement, and participation in professional organizations.
• Prepare hydro dam safety quarterly inspection reports and annual Dam Safety Surveillance Monitoring Plans and Reports for submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university required.
• Strong desire to learn, collaborate, and contribute within a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to working safely and promoting a strong safety culture.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage priorities and work independently.
• Civil engineering experience in an industrial environment with project management, structural design, and civil infrastructure design experience preferred; qualified entry-level candidates will be considered.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project) and AutoCAD preferred.
• Pulp and paper industry experience preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.

Why Join Sappi Cloquet?

• Be the site's dedicated Civil/Structural Engineer supporting a major integrated manufacturing facility.
• Lead projects ranging from infrastructure improvements and building enhancements to large-scale capital investments.
• Gain broad exposure to operations, maintenance, engineering, and hydroelectric assets.
• Enjoy meaningful responsibility, autonomy, and visibility while directly impacting mill performance and future growth.
• Work on diverse and challenging projects that offer significant opportunities for professional development and career growth.