Collaboration drives innovation in the dynamic pulp and paper industry. Engineers of all disciplines come together to share their unique skillsets and perspectives, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and new developments. In this blog, we provide a small window into the many opportunities and careers that are waiting for you after graduation.
“Every discipline of engineering is involved in the pulp and paper industry. It’s actually one of the few industries out there that has everything. As a result, you get to be involved in a tremendous number of things.” – Dr. Peter Hart, Chemical Engineering, B.S ’85, M.S ’88
Process Engineer
Common Degree: Chemical Engineering
Average Annual Pay: $85,000 to upward of $125,000+
Role: Process engineers are responsible for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting the production processes. They work on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring quality control within the manufacturing operations. From overseeing pulp digestion to paper formation, process engineers play a critical role in streamlining operations and maximizing productivity.
Example: A process engineer might work on developing new pulping methods that minimize environmental impact while enhancing the quality of paper produced.
Process Control Engineer
Common Degree: Computer Engineering
Average Annual Pay: $75,000 to upward of $110,000+
Role: As just one of the many available careers as a computer engineer, engineers specializing in process control focus on integrating software and hardware solutions to optimize and monitor manufacturing processes. They are responsible for developing control systems, implementing automation, and leveraging data analytics to improve operational efficiency and quality control within the paper production processes.
Example: A process control engineer could be involved in designing a real-time monitoring and control system to optimize the paper drying process and minimize energy consumption.
Electrical Reliability Engineer
Common Degree: Electrical Engineering
Average Annual Pay: $75,000 to upward of $115,000+
Role: Electrical reliability engineers in the pulp and paper industry focus on ensuring the dependable performance of machinery and equipment to reduce downtime and enhance productivity. They do so by developing reliability programs for all electrical machinery and working closely with Operations and Maintenance personnel to implement and monitor all electrical systems. More specifically, they work on developing predictive maintenance strategies, conducting failure analyses, and optimizing equipment reliability to prevent costly disruptions in the manufacturing processes.
Example: A reliability engineer might be tasked with conducting a root cause analysis of equipment failures in a pulp mill and implementing proactive maintenance measures to prevent future breakdowns.
Product Development Engineer
Common Degree: Chemical Engineering
Average Annual Pay: $89,000 to upward of $122,000+
Role: Eager to bring new ideas to life, product development engineers in the pulp and paper industry are responsible for innovating and creating new paper products, packaging solutions, and sustainable materials. They work on designing prototypes, testing product performance, and collaborating with research teams to bring new products to market. Product development engineers drive innovation to meet consumer demands in a competitive market. They have their fingers on the pulse of the industry, consumer trends, and new or upcoming technologies.
Example: A product development engineer could be involved in researching and developing eco-friendly solutions to straws and other plastic-based products.
Maintenance Engineer
Common Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Average Annual Pay: $75,000 to upward of $120,000+
Role: As the name might suggest, maintenance engineers are responsible for ensuring the upkeep and proper functioning of equipment and machinery in manufacturing facilities. Using their mechanical engineering background, they work on conducting routine inspections, diagnosing issues, performing repairs, and implementing maintenance schedules to prolong the lifespan of essential equipment.
Example: A maintenance engineer might be tasked with developing a preventive maintenance program for the boilers in a paper mill to ensure continuous and reliable operation.
This is just a short list of the many opportunities waiting for you in the pulp and paper industry. If you’d like more information about the opportunities available to you, reach out to us at info@umaineppf.org!
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