Board Solutions Subject Matter Expert (SME)

About the role

The Board Solutions Group works closely with Packaging Solutions of North America (PSNA) to support tactical and strategic initiatives to improve results and drive business strategy to achieve or exceed their targeted performance levels. This involves the use of expertise and leadership gained through years of experience to deliver improvement within the manufacturing system. Board Solutions SME’s work together within all of the PSNA facilities to improve paper machine performance, reduce variability, improve quality and lower manufacturing costs.

Responsibilities

• Safety leadership in mill, pilot, laboratory, and office environments
• Diagnosing and resolving high-impact papermaking process
• Recognized resource for technical troubleshooting, non-capital, and capital solutions for wet end of the paper machine including headboxes, forming sections, press sections, and associated auxiliary equipment
• Executing pilot and paper machine trials
• Developing and implementing capital and process improvement projects
• Conducting process audits and strategic technical studies
• Building durable on-site technical capability through the ability to interface, technically develop, and mentor others at mill sites to assist in project development within the area of expertise
• Communicating technical findings to all organizational levels

Qualifications, Skills And Knowledge

• Minimum 15 years of paper machine process experience with at least 5 years in paper manufacturing
• Ability to travel up to ~80%
• Recognized expert in papermaking process with concentration in wet end applications including headboxes, forming, and press sections
• Ability to independently scope and deliver complex technical work
• Demonstrated leadership focused on accountability and results
• Enterprise-level influence and credibility with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate to groups and individuals at all levels
• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills and the ability to use organized data based approaches to resolve issues
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Paper Science, or Related Business Field is preferred, industry experience will be considered

Benefits

• 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, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

Career

As a Technology SME, you will operate as a senior technical contributor within International Paper’s Technology Career Ladder, delivering enterprise-level impact through independent execution and influence.

The Impact

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

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

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. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions.