Principal Engineer, Pulp Technology

Location: Narrows

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

* 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

Qualifications

* 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