Quality Engineer

Pay Rate:

$83,300 – $115,500

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

Category/Shift:

Salaried Full-Time (exempt)

Physical Location:

Riegelwood Mill – Global Cellulose Fibers

865 John Riegel Rd

Riegelwood, NC 28456

The Job You Will Perform:

The Quality Engineer monitors for deliverables to be compliant with required standards for the manufacture of cellulose fibers used in the production of diapers and other personal absorbent care products. Daily responsibilities include the oversight of collection, measurement, analysis, and reporting of product performance metrics. The Quality Engineer coordinates with product & operations management positions to identify and implement corrective actions as appropriate; supports, documents, and validates process improvement initiatives.  Will support site management representative in sustaining sites ISO 9001 certification and additional customer certification requirements.

The individual will be involved in both internal and external customer complaint investigations and corrective action plans in response to customer needs.  The Quality Engineer will be active in mill quality audits, both internal and external, and will assist in managing Riegelwood’s quality systems to ensure the site meets the expectations of the Global Cellulose Fiber (GCF) Manufacturing Quality Management System Manual.

Tasks and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Communicate quality information (complaints, quality events, data) during site meetings. Attends daily production meetings for the Finished Products department.
• Train personnel on related tools and fixtures, record management, and inspection test protocol.  Perform quality inspection activities as required; supports operations and quality personnel in the inspection results.
• Maintain or support all calibration records of precision test equipment and support tools across the mill site.
• Maintains internal quality records and works with the Production and Manufacturing Excellence Area Process Leaders in process capability, customer 6-sigma, and other related quality data on an as-needed basis.
• Ensure non-conforming product is properly identified, segregated, reviewed, and disposed in accordance with customer requirements
• Support Quality Action reporting metrics; provide data for tracking metrics – typical metrics include, but are not limited to, internal defect recording and mitigation, pest control trending data, & other facility base measure[s] and supplier performance.
• Participate in internal and external design reviews, product trials, raw material qualifications, and critical quality equipment installation/replacement qualifications.
• Support product innovation efforts, trials, projects and commercialization
• Work closely with GCF Sustainability to ensure the mill stays compliant with all certifications
• Participate in internal and external audits including mill, GCF business, input material suppliers, and customer audits.
• Provide assistance to the Product Performance and Operations team in their development of root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions implemented to address non-conformances. Assist in product disposition, investigation, and internal response.
• Must have a strong relationship with Finished Products (FP) management team in coordinating trial work and providing direction to FP team on quality related issues
• Interface with mill leadership and production departments, GCF business units, Customer Technical Service (CTS) representatives and customers regarding quality.

The Skills You Will Bring:

• BS Degree is required, preferrably in engineering 
• At least one (1) year of previous experience within quality control
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry is preferred but not required
• Strong computer knowledge and skills that include experience with Excel, Proficy, Pi, and Minitab
• ISO 9001 experience preferred
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt Certification a plus
• Proven commitment to safety and safety processes
• Quality Engineering background with experience in laboratory quality processes and testing protocols, Root Cause and Corrective / Preventative Action, structured problem solving and risk mitigation methods

Desired Competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills
• Action Oriented
• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Timely Decision Making
• Informing

The Career You Will Build:

• Leadership training
• Promotional opportunities within a global company

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 125 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 Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper’s GCF business 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, and Paid Time Off.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion.

Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our safe, high-quality pulp forms the basis for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products. Following International Paper’s strategic review, GCF is transitioning to become a standalone company supported by American Industrial Partners, positioning us to deliver enhanced value to customers and continue shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. 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.
Riegelwood  NC  28456