Senior Project Engineer

As a Senior Project Engineer at Smurfit Westrock, the responsibilities include managing and completing projects across multiple engineering disciplines, performing capital project development and execution, and ensuring projects adhere to safety and environmental guidelines. You will be involved in developing feasibility studies, engineering designs, and coordinating construction phases, thus playing a vital role in meeting the facility's engineering goals.

To be qualified for the Senior Project Engineer position at Smurfit Westrock, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience in capital project management within heavy industrial or process industries, such as pulp and paper, is required. The role also demands strong project management skills and a track record of successful project execution.

The Senior Project Engineer at Smurfit Westrock significantly contributes to the company's culture by embodying the values of integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence. By leading projects and supporting operations, you foster a collaborative environment that drives innovative solutions, all while ensuring safety and sustainability in our processes.

The career progression for a Senior Project Engineer at Smurfit Westrock typically includes advancement towards higher management roles within the engineering or operations departments. With experience managing significant capital projects, one could move into senior management positions, specializing in strategic planning and operational leadership, while continuing to shape the company's direction in sustainable practices.

At Smurfit Westrock, a Senior Project Engineer works on diverse projects aimed at improving production processes and enhancing manufacturing facilities. These can include capital projects focused on facility upgrades, capacity expansions, or new technology implementations that drive efficiency and sustainability within paper and packaging operations.

When answering this question, highlight specific capital projects you have managed, detailing your role in the project lifecycle from planning to completion. Emphasize how you ensured project alignment with budget and timeline while adhering to safety standards.

Provide a structured approach demonstrating how you evaluate project urgency and importance, set clear timelines, and delegate responsibilities when necessary, showcasing your project management skills in your response.

In your answer, discuss specific safety regulations you follow, how you ensure contractor compliance, and share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated safety challenges while managing project timelines.

Discuss your proactive risk management strategies, such as conducting thorough risk assessments during the planning phase and continuously monitoring risks throughout project execution, providing examples from your experience.

Reflect on a particular project, identify the challenges faced, and explain the strategies and innovations you employed to overcome them. This shows your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

Describe your communication strategies, including regular updates, effective use of project management software, and fostering relationships with team members and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned.

List the project management tools you're familiar with, such as Microsoft Project or AutoCAD, and explain how you utilize them to enhance project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.

Discuss specific ways you keep your knowledge up to date, such as attending industry conferences, engaging in professional networks, or pursuing certifications that may relate to the role of Senior Project Engineer.

Provide an overview of your process for creating project estimates, including cost analysis, resource allocation, and contingency planning, and stress the importance of accuracy and thoroughness.

Share your approaches to fostering a motivated work environment, such as recognizing individual contributions, encouraging collaborative efforts, and providing opportunities for professional development.