Overview:
The Principal Engineer will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in pulp technology to support acetate manufacturing operations and advance Technology & Innovation (T&I) initiatives. This role is based at the Narrows, Virginia facility, which serves as the hub for acetate flake and tow production as well as the Acetate Technology & Innovation Center. The position combines strong hands-on technical contribution with project leadership and collaboration across manufacturing, procurement, and T&I functions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead Pulp related programs within the T&I group
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Lead technical efforts to troubleshoot process manufacturing and product quality issues
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Direct laboratory testing of various wood pulp supplies for suitability for use in acetate flake production including trials at the Manufacturing level
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Demonstrate new technologies from laboratory/pilot plant to production scale operations
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Develop Intellectual Property related to Acetate flake and tow production and applications
- Support Procurement on Sourcing of Wood Pulp from a variety of suppliers
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Manage Technology & Innovation development projects for new acetate applications and production means.
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Direct multi-disciplinary teams to qualify new raw materials
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Support product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices
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Manage additional R&D laboratory/pilot plant operations and resources as needed
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Meet strict internal/external customer requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline
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10+ years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, or process technology roles
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Pulp and Paper Process knowledge; ideally dissolving high purity cellulose specialties
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Cellulosic (Polysaccharide) polymer chemistry understanding
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Proven ability to lead technical efforts to troubleshoot process manufacturing and product quality issues
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Experience with multi-disciplinary teams
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Understanding of key product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices
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Demonstrated capability to develop new technologies from laboratory/pilot plant to production scale operations
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Experience in meeting strict internal/external customer requirements
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Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels in organization
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Management / supervision experience for R&D laboratory/pilot plant operations and resources
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Understanding and application of Financial Acumen in deployment of technology
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Ability to both act as an individual contributor and a team leader
