Process Engineer
- Mills River, NC, United States
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Job details
- Apply by
- Experience
- You have 1-2 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, preferably within paper, converting, coating, or related industries
- Posting language
- English
- Posted
Original job description
Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!
Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers
We are now looking for a Process Engineer in Mills River to support the performance, quality, and continuous improvement of our NCCM2 coating operations. In this role, you will leverage your technical expertise to optimize processes, improve equipment performance, reduce waste, and drive operational excellence. Working closely with production, maintenance, and quality teams, you will help deliver high-quality products safely and efficiently while supporting the future growth of our operations.
Greetings from your future manager
“Thank you for your interest in joining UPM as a Process Engineer. In this role, you will play a key part in optimizing coating operations, improving product quality, and driving continuous improvement on our NCCM2 machine. You will work closely with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to solve complex challenges and support the future growth of our operations. If you are a hands-on problem solver who enjoys turning technical challenges into results, I look forward to learning more about you.” - Chris Raper, Technical Operations Manager
What you will do
- You will support day-to-day process performance of the NCCM2 coating machine, including quality, productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency
- You will analyze process and quality data to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions
- You will lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, runnability, and cost reduction
- You will partner with maintenance, quality, and production teams to improve equipment reliability and operational performance
- You will support process development activities, trials, and implementation of new technologies and best practices
- You will investigate customer, supplier, and production issues and help drive sustainable solutions
- You will maintain process documentation, performance metrics, and operating procedures
- You will ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and company requirements
Who you are
- You have bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Materials Science, or a related Engineering field
- You have 1-2 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, preferably within paper, converting, coating, or related industries
- You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions
- You have understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and continuous improvement principles
- You have ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a production environment.
- You have strong communication and organizational skills
- You have experience with project work, process optimization, or equipment improvement initiatives is considered an asset
- You are safety-focused, proactive, and driven to improve performance and results
This is what we offer for you
- A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
- A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
- Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
- Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.
Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working
Additional information about the position
This position is located in Mills River.
Travel requirements: Occasional travel (up to 10%)
Work schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to support production schedules, process trials, troubleshooting activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position holder will report to Chris Raper, Technical Operations Manager.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by December 4, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline.
For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Services at careers@upm.com or tel. +18777235247.
Learn more about how to apply from our Careers page.
Country-specific information
This Job Description is intended to be a guide, and is not intended to be a contract of employment, explicit or implicit. All contents are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company. Cooperation is expected of all employees. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Only candidates authorized to work within the United States without sponsorship will be considered.
UPM North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
UPM business
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM – we renew the everyday
Read more: upm.com
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