Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC is searching for qualified candidates to assume the role of a Quality & Continuous Improvement Engineer.
Summary: The Quality & Continuous Improvement Engineer supports the manufacturing of uncoated free sheet paper by assisting with quality systems, process optimization, and continuous improvement activities. This role works closely with production, laboratory, and engineering teams to ensure consistent product quality, reduce variability and improve operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide daily quality support for the manufacturing of uncoated free sheet paper
- Collect and analyze production and laboratory data to identify trends and insights
- Assist with root-cause analysis for product defects and customer complaints
- Help maintain the mill’s Quality Management System (QMS) including calibrations, reporting, procedures and work instructions
- Manage laboratory inventory including testing supplies, standards, consumables, and equipment spare parts
- Support internal audits and documentation for certifications such as FSC/SFI/PEFC
- Support improvement projects related to yield optimization and defect reduction
- Assist in processing observations, data collection, and creation of standard work
- Engage in cross-functional problem-solving, 5S events and center lining activities
- Develop dashboards, charts and SPC tracking tools
- Train operators and supervisors on CI tools and help drive a culture of continuous improvement
- Work with operators and engineers to understand uncoated free sheet operations including stock prep, refining, wet-end chemistry, drying, calendaring and finishing
- Work with upstream processes to understand operational practices and internal products related to woodyard and pulp production operations
- Support grade development, product optimization and specification management
- Support troubleshooting efforts on the paper machine and finishing equipment
- Help validate process adjustments and monitor impacts on product quality
General Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Paper Science, Data Analysis or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Strong interest in papermaking, quality systems, and continuous improvement
- Familiarity with statistical tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab) and SPC concepts
- Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Primarily office and manufacturing environment
- Frequent interaction with production personnel
- Occasional lifting, climbing and exposure to manufacturing conditions
- Ability to work flexible hours as required to support mill operations and improvement initiatives. Could include night and weekend shifts as needed for coverage.
- Provide periodic on-call coverage (approximately one week a month)
Phoenix Paper offers competitive wages & benefits packages that include health, vision, dental, life insurance, paid holidays, matching 401(k) & much more.
Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Paper Science, Data Analysis, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Familiarity with statistical tools including Excel, Power BI, and Minitab.
- Familiarity with Statistical Process Control concepts.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including potential night and weekend shifts, to support mill operations.
- Ability to provide periodic on-call coverage, approximately one week per month.
- Interest in papermaking, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments with occasional lifting, climbing, and exposure to manufacturing conditions.
What We Do
Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC operates a fully integrated paper mill in Wickliffe, Kentucky. It manufactures uncoated free-sheet printing, writing, and converting papers, plus market pulp, serving commercial printing applications with offset and reply-card grades. The company emphasizes sustainable manufacturing, responsible environmental practices, product quality, and competitive operations, while employing more than 300 people and supplying customers across the North American market.
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