The Position:
We currently have an opening for a mechanical project engineer to join our on-site team in Port Townsend, WA. The role level will be determined based on your background and experience, ranging from entry-level (Engineer I) to mid-career (Engineer II) and senior level (Engineer III).
This is a hands-on engineering role focused on improving and sustaining mill operations. You’ll work directly with newer and aged infrastructure, lead or support capital projects, and play a key role in site reliability and efficiency. Whether you’re early in your career or bringing deep experience in industrial environments, we’d like to connect.
About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)
The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.
At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service. PTPC is proud to provide good, prevailing wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.
About the Role:
This position plays a central role in developing and executing capital projects throughout all areas of operations of the mill. You’ll work with equipment and infrastructure common in an industrial environment. The work includes collaborating across teams to identify problems, develop technical solutions, and oversee execution in the field, all done in a safe and efficient manner.
Based on experience and technical depth, candidates will be placed into one of three levels:
- Engineer I – Entry-level role focused on learning mill systems, supporting projects, and assisting senior engineers
- Engineer II – Mid-level role leading moderate projects, solving recurring issues, and improving processes
- Engineer III – Senior-level role managing large-scale initiatives, developing long-term strategies, and providing technical leadership
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Job Responsibilities:
Support the design, installation, repair, and/or replacement of mechanical equipment common to the pulp and paper industry.
- Evaluate existing equipment and systems, recommend repairs or upgrades, and/or facilitate this activity with qualified consultants.
- Prepare project scopes, drawings, technical specifications, schedules, and budgets
- Lead or assist in the planning and execution of shutdowns and turnarounds
- Investigate equipment failures and root causes, implementing long-term corrective actions
- Interpret engineering codes and standards applicable to mechanical and civil systems (ASME, etc)
- Collaborate with internal teams, external contractors, and vendors to execute projects safely, one time and on budget.
- Maintain and update engineering documentation, including CAD drawings, equipment manuals, and design calculations.
- Participate in plant-wide safety initiatives and ensure engineering practices align with compliance requirements
- Participate in periodic on-call weekends to support mill operations.
- For more senior levels: mentor junior engineers, lead risk assessments, and contribute to long-range planning
Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates with backgrounds in mechanical or civil engineering and a strong interest in industrial work. Experience level will determine placement.
Engineer I
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
- 0–5 years of experience (internships or co-op experience welcome)
- Familiarity with gated capital processes for project development and execution
- Comfort working in a hands-on environment with complex machinery and systems
- AutoCAD skills preferred
Engineer II
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
- 5-10 years of experience in a heavy industrial, utilities, or manufacturing setting, preferably pulp and paper.
- Demonstrated experience delivering projects from design through implementation
- Firsthand knowledge of machinery and processes common to pulp and paper mills.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments
- Large kraft paper machine experience preferred.
- PE license preferred but not required
- AutoCAD proficiency and PM design software experience preferred
Engineer III
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
- 10+ years of engineering experience in a pulp/paper mill or similar industrial environment
- Proven ability to lead multi-phase projects involving mechanical and/or civil components
- Experience managing vendor relationships, cost tracking, and technical compliance
- Familiarity with aging equipment and the ability to navigate upgrade vs. repair decisions.
- Large kraft paper machine experience required.
- PE license
- AutoCAD proficiency and PM design software experience preferred
Employment Terms
- Full-time, non-exempt, 100% on-site work.
- Salary Range: $125,000 to $193,750
- Vacation DOE, ranging from 3-5 weeks
- 9 paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
- Retirement plan
- Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
- In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Port Townsend Paper Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are a drug-free workplace.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
- 0-5 years of experience (internships or co-op experience welcome)
- Familiarity with gated capital processes for project development and execution
- Comfort working in a hands-on environment with complex machinery and systems
- AutoCAD skills preferred
What We Do
Port Townsend Paper Company produces sustainable Kraft pulp, Kraft Paper, containerboard, and specialty products by blending virgin and recycled fibers.
