Process Control Network Administrator

About NORPAC

From its world-class manufacturing facility in Longview, WA., NORPAC delivers a broad range of high-quality papers to customers across the United States and around the world. NORPAC makes high-quality and environmentally conscious packaging paper, copy paper, and printing paper grades.

Consistent with its’ Mission, NORPAC is a team-based work environment where individuals integrate safety, teamwork, innovation, and citizenship as core values in pursuit of world-class performance while leading a principle-based, process-disciplined organization.

Position Overview

NORPAC is looking for a qualified Process Control Network Administrator to join the maintenance team. The role will provide support/services to the mill through providing excellent customer service in alignment with NORPAC’s business goals in all areas: Safety, Customer Satisfaction, Process Reliability, Costs, and other defined business needs.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

Job Summary

As a Process Control Network Administrator at NORPAC, you will be responsible for the stable, secure, and efficient operation of our process control networks. You will train directly with a seasoned expert to install, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot network hardware and software, ensuring consistent performance and connectivity for all process network users in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to maintaining secure and reliable network systems.

Job Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions):

• Install, configure, and maintain network hardware, including routers, network switches (Cisco Catalyst), firewalls (Dell SonicWall, Cisco ASA), and wireless access points
• Monitor network performance and security, analyze traffic, and respond to alerts and outages to ensure optimal uptime and reliability
• Generate, manage, and troubleshoot virtual machines (VMware)
• Create and maintain backups and disaster recovery systems (Veeam)
• Develop custom programs/scripts to support operational needs
• Troubleshoot and resolve advanced connectivity issues, acting as an escalation point for helpdesk tickets.
• Manage network security solutions, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems
• Implement and enforce network security protocols and access controls to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats
• Perform system and firmware updates, patches, and preventative maintenance
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of network configurations, diagrams, IP address usage, and procedures
• Collaborate with Process Control, IT, and Operations departments to ensure the seamless integration of network systems and applications
• Provide technical support and guidance to staff on network-related matters
• Other duties as assigned and identified

Required Qualifications and Key Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, and/or equivalent experience.
• 5 or more years of network experience
• Experience managing network connectivity and administration of ABB or other DCS systems preferred.
• Understanding of machine instrumentation requirements.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing network hardware from vendors [e.g., Cisco, ABB, Dell].
• Strong understanding of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, and industrial networking protocols [e.g., Modbus, Profibus, OPC].
• Experience generating and managing virtual machines.
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery methodologies.
• Solid knowledge of firewalls, access control lists, and intrusion detection systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Desirable:

• PLC/HMI networking experience (Allen Bradley) preferred.
• Process network experience in manufacturing/pulp and paper environment

Compensation:

Annual salary range for this position $91,000 - $140,000, depending on experience (DOE).

This position is eligible for:

NORPAC offers a highly competitive benefit package to include medical/vision and dental benefits, a company-sponsored 401 (k) match and additional company contribution, basic life insurance, employee assistance program, vacation pay after 1 year, floaters upon hire, and paid holidays.