Principal Engineer, Pulp Technology

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.

• Lead Pulp related programs within the T&I group
• Lead technical efforts to troubleshoot process manufacturing and product quality issues
• Direct laboratory testing of various wood pulp supplies for suitability for use in acetate flake production including trials at the Manufacturing level
• Demonstrate new technologies from laboratory/pilot plant to production scale operations
• Develop Intellectual Property related to Acetate flake and tow production and applications
• Support Procurement on Sourcing of Wood Pulp from a variety of suppliers
• Manage Technology & Innovation development projects for new acetate applications and production means.
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams to qualify new raw materials
• Support product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices
• Manage additional R&D laboratory/pilot plant operations and resources as needed
• Meet strict internal/external customer requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, or process technology roles
• Pulp and Paper Process knowledge; ideally dissolving high purity cellulose specialties
• Cellulosic (Polysaccharide) polymer chemistry understanding
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts to troubleshoot process manufacturing and product quality issues
• Experience with multi-disciplinary teams
• Understanding of key product stewardship and safe manufacturing practices
• Demonstrated capability to develop new technologies from laboratory/pilot plant to production scale operations
• Experience in meeting strict internal/external customer requirements
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels in organization
• Management / supervision experience for R&D laboratory/pilot plant operations and resources
• Understanding and application of Financial Acumen in deployment of technology
• Ability to both act as an individual contributor and a team leader