Quality Engineer

Position Title

Quality Engineer

$112,100-$137,000

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

Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP’s short‑term incentive plan.

Salaried Full-Time

7600 HWY 10 W
Pine Hill, AL 36769

The Quality Engineer is a process engineer that reports directly to the Manager of Manufacturing Excellence. This position also works closely with the Paper AMEL and Quality Manager supporting quality efforts in the paper machine area as well as improvement efforts. This role will focus on monitoring product and process quality for linerboard and corrugating medium, assisting with root cause analysis, and working with operations to optimize performance and meet customer specifications.

This role will be a dual role as the candidate will also support some ME initiatives in the areas as well. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in paper making, a commitment to continuous improvement and a laser focus on quality.

• Perform daily activities in a manner that supports and drives a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence within the mill
• Monitor and evaluate key quality parameters daily
• Support the development of tools to help capture long term trends of various quality metrics with triggers for action. Collect and analyze process and lab data to detect quality trends and recommend improvements.
• Support troubleshooting of quality issues using data analytical tools and analysis.
• Work closely with operations, lab, and process engineers to maintain consistent product performance and minimize waste
• Assist Quality Manager as needed to validate tests and equipment
• Assist in the resolution of customer complaints and internal quality incidents using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Participate in machine trials, grade development projects, and cross‑functional quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in customer visits as needed for trials, quality reviews and/or customer relationship development
• Support the communication of quality results as needed
• Help maintain calibration schedules, testing procedures, and quality documentation
• Support ME team on improvement opportunities as assigned
• Assist with paper machine quality control systems (QCS), including profile tuning, setpoint reviews, and grade change validation
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to monitor trials, mill upsets, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 0–2 years of experience in a quality or production support role in pulp and paper or related manufacturing
• Basic understanding of container board properties and grades (linerboard, medium, recycled vs. virgin fiber)
• Familiarity with TAPPI paper testing methods and lab equipment
• Strong data analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Effective communicator and team player in a production environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data visualization; experience with QCS/DCS platforms is a plus
• Willingness to work on occasion during off‑shifts, weekends, or during outages for quality support
• Executes other tasks assigned by leadership to ensure operational effectiveness

• Exposure to container board‑specific quality parameters
• Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma principles
• Experience with quality management systems
• Knowledge of recycled fiber processes and stock prep quality impacts

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short‑term Disability, 401(k) and/or Pension (where applicable), Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.

Leadership training, promotional opportunities

We…