Metallurgical Engineer - WFH
Smurfit Westrock, montgomery, al, United States
Metallurgical Engineer I Position Description
Role Overview
The Metallurgical Engineer is technical role within Smurfit Westrock\u2019s Manufacturing Technology & Innovation (MTI) organization, supporting the Reliability Engineering function across the North American mill system. This position develops foundational metallurgical and materials engineering expertise while contributing to improved asset reliability, safety, and operational performance.
Reporting to the Metallurgy Manager within Reliability Engineering, the role focuses on failure analysis, materials selection, and metallurgical support to mills, applying industry standards and Smurfit Westrock guidelines to mitigate risk and prevent repeat equipment failures.
The Metallurgical Engineer I is expected to develop strong technical capabilities, collaborate effectively across functions, and uphold Smurfit Westrock\u2019s culture of safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
The Metallurgical Engineer I supports mill reliability and asset performance by:
* Contributing to root cause failure analyses that prevent recurring equipment failures
* Supporting materials and corrosion evaluations critical to safe, reliable operation
* Enabling consistent application of metallurgical standards and guidelines across mills
* Providing hands-on technical assistance during outages and audits
This role plays a key part in improving asset availability, predictability, and lifecycle cost through disciplined technical analysis and collaboration with mill teams.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Reliability Support
* Support reliability initiatives aimed at maximizing mill asset availability, efficiency, and predictability.
* Perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on failed components received from paper mills and develop actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.
* Evaluate boiler tube samples to identify failure modes, assess waterside deposit impacts, and support decisions related to boiler cleaning and maintenance.
* Assist in materials selection to address corrosion mechanisms encountered in pulp and paper mill environments.
* Provide metallurgical and materials engineering support during:
* Major mill outages
* Power and Recovery Boiler audits
* Non-fired pressure vessel and tank audits
Standards, Guidelines & Technical Development
* Develop working knowledge of Smurfit Westrock Corporate Guidelines and industry standards, including:
* ASME Code Books
* National Board Inspection Code (NBIC)
* American Petroleum Institute (API) Codes
* American Welding Society (AWS) Standards
* Black Liquor Recovery Boiler Advisory Committee (BLRBAC) guidance
* Learn and apply laboratory equipment and processes used to prepare and analyze metallurgical samples.
* Utilize data and analysis to support reliability improvement efforts and technical recommendations.
Safety, Culture & Collaboration
* Act as a role model for Smurfit Westrock\u2019s Vision, Values, and Behaviors.
* Promote and follow all company and mill safety policies and procedures.
* Support a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement.
* Communicate effectively with mill personnel, reliability engineers, and other MTI stakeholders.
Skills & Qualifications
Technical Qualifications
* Bachelor\u2019s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science (required)
* 5+ years of relevant experience
* General knowledge of:
* Corrosion mechanisms and mitigation
* Materials properties
* Failure analysis techniques
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Problem Solving & Execution
* Strong troubleshooting skills with a focus on root cause and long-term solutions
* Ability to analyze operating failures and develop sustainable corrective actions
* Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail and safety
Communication & Collaboration
* Ability to communicate and coordinate across multiple organizational levels and functions
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Customer-focused approach when supporting mills and internal stakeholders
Adaptability & Personal Effectiveness
* Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-changing operational environments
* Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
* Willingness to work in an on-call environment, including occasional weekends
* Self-directed, flexible, and eager to learn
* Strong interpersonal and time management skills
* Effective working independently and within team-based environments
Travel & Work Environment
* Expected travel up to ~70% to support mill sites, outages, and audits
* On-site and field-based work required, including exposure to industrial environments and laboratory settings
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.
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.
Role Overview
The Metallurgical Engineer is technical role within Smurfit Westrock\u2019s Manufacturing Technology & Innovation (MTI) organization, supporting the Reliability Engineering function across the North American mill system. This position develops foundational metallurgical and materials engineering expertise while contributing to improved asset reliability, safety, and operational performance.
Reporting to the Metallurgy Manager within Reliability Engineering, the role focuses on failure analysis, materials selection, and metallurgical support to mills, applying industry standards and Smurfit Westrock guidelines to mitigate risk and prevent repeat equipment failures.
The Metallurgical Engineer I is expected to develop strong technical capabilities, collaborate effectively across functions, and uphold Smurfit Westrock\u2019s culture of safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock
The Metallurgical Engineer I supports mill reliability and asset performance by:
* Contributing to root cause failure analyses that prevent recurring equipment failures
* Supporting materials and corrosion evaluations critical to safe, reliable operation
* Enabling consistent application of metallurgical standards and guidelines across mills
* Providing hands-on technical assistance during outages and audits
This role plays a key part in improving asset availability, predictability, and lifecycle cost through disciplined technical analysis and collaboration with mill teams.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Reliability Support
* Support reliability initiatives aimed at maximizing mill asset availability, efficiency, and predictability.
* Perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on failed components received from paper mills and develop actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.
* Evaluate boiler tube samples to identify failure modes, assess waterside deposit impacts, and support decisions related to boiler cleaning and maintenance.
* Assist in materials selection to address corrosion mechanisms encountered in pulp and paper mill environments.
* Provide metallurgical and materials engineering support during:
* Major mill outages
* Power and Recovery Boiler audits
* Non-fired pressure vessel and tank audits
Standards, Guidelines & Technical Development
* Develop working knowledge of Smurfit Westrock Corporate Guidelines and industry standards, including:
* ASME Code Books
* National Board Inspection Code (NBIC)
* American Petroleum Institute (API) Codes
* American Welding Society (AWS) Standards
* Black Liquor Recovery Boiler Advisory Committee (BLRBAC) guidance
* Learn and apply laboratory equipment and processes used to prepare and analyze metallurgical samples.
* Utilize data and analysis to support reliability improvement efforts and technical recommendations.
Safety, Culture & Collaboration
* Act as a role model for Smurfit Westrock\u2019s Vision, Values, and Behaviors.
* Promote and follow all company and mill safety policies and procedures.
* Support a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement.
* Communicate effectively with mill personnel, reliability engineers, and other MTI stakeholders.
Skills & Qualifications
Technical Qualifications
* Bachelor\u2019s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science (required)
* 5+ years of relevant experience
* General knowledge of:
* Corrosion mechanisms and mitigation
* Materials properties
* Failure analysis techniques
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Problem Solving & Execution
* Strong troubleshooting skills with a focus on root cause and long-term solutions
* Ability to analyze operating failures and develop sustainable corrective actions
* Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail and safety
Communication & Collaboration
* Ability to communicate and coordinate across multiple organizational levels and functions
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Customer-focused approach when supporting mills and internal stakeholders
Adaptability & Personal Effectiveness
* Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-changing operational environments
* Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
* Willingness to work in an on-call environment, including occasional weekends
* Self-directed, flexible, and eager to learn
* Strong interpersonal and time management skills
* Effective working independently and within team-based environments
Travel & Work Environment
* Expected travel up to ~70% to support mill sites, outages, and audits
* On-site and field-based work required, including exposure to industrial environments and laboratory settings
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.
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.