Pilot Line Technologist

About International Paper:

At International Paper, we are at the forefront of innovation in the absorbent products industry, committed to pushing boundaries to create value for our customers world-wide. International Paper’s Global Cellulose Fibers Business is a leader in the industry. Join our dynamic team at the Global Innovation Center, where your contributions will shape future innovations to our business.

Job Description:

International Paper is seeking a Pilot Line Technologist to support new product development at our Global Innovation Center in Federal Way, WA. This hands-on role is responsible for safely operating a broad range of pilot plant equipment, performing physical & chemical testing procedures, and documenting experimental results.

The incumbent is anticipated to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for in house pilot-plant equipment. This incumbent will also perform as a lead operator, which may include off-site pilot trials at other manufacturing locations. The candidate will be working collaboratively with project managers & scientists, and is anticipated to work across all development platforms. This position reports into the Specialty Platform under the New Product Development Organization.

Position Title: 

Pilot Line Technologist

Pay Rate:

$69,200 – $80,000

Multiple factors, including individual experience, skills, and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Category/Shift:

Salaried, non-exempt/Full-time

Physical Location:

32901 Weyerhaeuser Way S

STE #101

Federal Way, WA 98001

Responsibilities:

• Conduct hazard assessments and develop job safety analyses for all work performed.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures as needed.
• Perform pilot scale physical and chemical processing of cellulose and related materials.
• Act as lead technologist for pilot production
• Assist with planning and purchasing pilot-line consumables.
• Establish effective working relationships with maintenance contractors and assist with scheduling of maintenance and repairs
• Possess a working knowledge of preventative maintenance principles and practices.
• Proactively suggest pilot plant process improvements.
• Accurately summarize pilot plant process data & communicate results
• Perform physical and chemical testing following pre-established protocols.
• Travel occasionally (5-10%) to manufacturing or customer sites to participate in trials and support scale-up and manufacturing process development efforts.
• Work productively and collaboratively in cross-functional teams to achieve project development objectives.

Qualifications:

• Proven safety leader with experience working safely in industrial pilot scale R&D or manufacturing environment. Dedicated to maintaining an injury free workplace.
• Two or four-year technical degree or equivalent work experience in a technology or manufacturing organization role.
• 5+ Years’ experience in an industrial R&D or manufacturing environment. 
• Strong mechanical skills, mechanical troubleshooting aptitude and experience with industry equipment and controls.
• Have experience or willing to be trained in operating fork lift and other mobile equipment
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within diverse multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to work occasionally in varying environments – hot/cold temperatures, dusty and/or noisy conditions, work from heights, etc.
• Be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Be able to lift up to 20 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds occasionally 
• Climb steps and ladders, and stand or work up to 3 hours at a time
• Successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, background check, and physical

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in manufacturing setting and pilot scale equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge of the pulp and paper industry

Key Competencies:

• Action-oriented
• Troubleshooting ability
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal savvy
• Customer focus
• Priority Setting

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Tuition Assistance, 3 weeks of Paid Vacation after a year (may take 1 weeks after 6 mos.) and 11 Paid Holidays per year, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance,  and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets. 

The Career You Will Build:

• Leadership training
• Promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture. 

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.