About this opportunity
Clearwater Paper Corporation lists this Principal Engineer opportunity in lewiston, Idaho. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The Principal Engineer role serves as the primary subject matter expert in paperboard production across a diverse portfolio of paper machines and product grades. In collaboration with plant and paper machine teams, the position develops and deploys asset reliability strategies integrating technical support, product development, quality, and predictive maintenance to improve productivity and operating efficiency. The role provides technical leadership for short- and long-term process improvement and capital projects spanning machine performance, environmental initiatives, and safety, while strengthening operational, maintenance, outage, technical analysis, and engineering capabilities across the organization.
Essential Functions
Technical & Operational Consultation
Serve as the primary subject matter expert to identify and resolve paper machine operational and process improvement opportunities using lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting methodologies
Research, evaluate, and develop process improvement and capital projects to enhance paperboard production and support product development
Collaborate across the organization to provide technical expertise, align stakeholders, and support strategic initiatives
Develop and execute project plans supporting long-term paper machine strategies
Coordinate with contractors and service providers to deliver projects and services on time and within budget
Continuous Improvement & Asset Strategy
Champion continuous improvement through process optimization, maintenance standards, and engineering best practices
Support product quality systems and process documentation to deliver consistent products that meet customer and business requirements
Partner with commercial and manufacturing teams to identify market opportunities by aligning asset capabilities with customer needs
Communicate, implement, and sustain best practices across manufacturing locations
Manage chemical and clothing vendor programs in partnership with procurement and manufacturing to support operational performance
Technical Influence & Knowledge Sharing
Foster an operating environment that promotes employee engagement and organizational values
Drive technical collaboration and knowledge sharing across manufacturing and engineering teams
Develop, transfer, and sustain technical and quality knowledge across departments to strengthen operational capability
Support technical capability development through coaching, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration
Promote standardized engineering and operating practices to improve long-term performance and reliability
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required
7+ years of progressive experience in paper machine production, process engineering, and manufacturing
5+ years of experience managing project and/or operating budgets
Experience in the pulp and paper industry
Experience in manufacturing, commercial (sales), and/or vendor management
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, business intelligence tools, and automated manufacturing and business systems
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing and operational areas, including eye and hearing protection, hard hat, and steel-toed footwear
Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, odors, temperature variations, and industrial conditions
Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling as required by the role
Extended periods of standing, walking, and working on concrete or uneven surfaces
Climbing stairs, ladders, platforms, or elevated work areas as required by the role
We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. This position is eligible for our Incentive Plan. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and geographic location. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off will include vacation days, personal days, and company holidays.
Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.
This role will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks or at the point a successful candidate is selected.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
lewiston, ID, 83501, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.