Paper engineer
Also known as: mechanical engineer, paper mill process engineer, paper machine superintendant, paper engineer, pulp and paper engineer, process engineer
About this occupation
Paper engineers ensure an optimal production process in the manufacture of paper and related products. They select primary and secondary raw materials and check their quality. In addition, they optimize machinery and equipment usage as well as the chemical additives for paper making.
A specialisation of chemical engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- ensure compliance with safety legislation
- engineering principles
- paper chemistry
- plan engineering activities
- manufacturing processes
- check paper quality
- perform scientific research
- check quality of raw materials
- engineering processes
- optimise production
- monitor pulp quality
- monitor production developments
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Materials Engineers (O*NET 17-2131.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics, Science
US median pay: US$112,860 a year (2025), 22,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (3.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Materials Scientists
- Chemical Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Electrical Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.