Hourly Electrical and Instrumentation Technician – International Paper, Cedar Rapids
Company Name: International Paper
Position Title: Hourly Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Location: Cedar River Mill, 4600 C St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Industry: Packaging / Pulp & Paper / Industrial Maintenance
Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Compensation: $37.25 – $48.22 per hour (based on progression & experience)
Schedule: Four 10-hour weekday shifts, rotating shifts/weekends as required
Benefits: Paid time off, retirement programs, medical & dental coverage, tuition assistance, training & development opportunities
Apply Link: [International Paper Careers – Electrical and Instrumentation Technician]
Official Site: https://www.internationalpaper.com/
Job/Company Description
International Paper is currently seeking skilled and motivated individuals for the role of Hourly Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at its Cedar River Mill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This position offers an opportunity to join one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper products. With competitive pay starting at $37.25 per hour and the potential to progress up to $48.22 per hour, International Paper provides both financial stability and career growth for its employees.
The role is full-time, hourly, and follows a schedule of four 10-hour shifts during weekdays, with every other weekend providing a four-day weekend. Flexibility is essential, as the position may require covering rotating shifts, including the DuPont schedule and weekends, depending on production needs.
As a member of the Maintenance Optimization Team, the successful candidate will perform essential maintenance duties to ensure paper machine availability, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency. These responsibilities cover electrical circuit troubleshooting, control logic repairs, variable frequency drive servicing, and calibration of industrial instruments. The technician will also play a vital role in predictive and preventive maintenance to keep production running smoothly.
International Paper is more than just a workplace—it’s a global community committed to sustainability, safety, and employee development. With a strong benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement programs, medical and dental coverage, and education assistance, the company invests in its people for long-term growth. For those seeking stability, skill-building, and meaningful work, this opportunity represents a chance to be part of a respected and forward-thinking industry leader.
Company Introduction
Founded over 120 years ago, International Paper has grown into one of the most recognized names in the paper and packaging industry. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company operates in more than 150 countries, employing thousands of people around the globe. Its reach extends into nearly every aspect of daily life, from the packaging that protects goods during shipping to the paper used in offices, schools, and homes.
At its core, International Paper is dedicated to transforming renewable resources into sustainable products that people rely on. The company focuses on fiber-based packaging and pulp, ensuring its products not only meet market demand but also align with global sustainability goals. With deep roots in environmental stewardship, International Paper consistently ranks as a leader in corporate responsibility, working tirelessly to minimize its carbon footprint, reduce waste, and advance renewable practices.
The Cedar River Mill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, represents one of International Paper’s significant U.S. operations. This facility plays a crucial role in producing containerboard, which is used for corrugated packaging solutions. These materials are essential for e-commerce, shipping, food distribution, and many other industries. By combining advanced technology with a highly skilled workforce, Cedar River Mill ensures production efficiency while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
But what sets International Paper apart from other industrial employers is its people-first culture. The company actively invests in its workforce through leadership training, tuition reimbursement, skills development programs, and opportunities for advancement. It also fosters an inclusive environment, with Employee Network Circles dedicated to supporting veterans, LGBTQ+ employees, women in the workplace, and African American employees, among others. This commitment to diversity makes International Paper a place where employees are not just workers—they’re valued members of a community.
Another defining feature of International Paper is its focus on long-term impact. The company is proud to say its operations touch the lives of people, the health of the planet, and the performance of its business in equal measure. Through responsible sourcing, recycling programs, and innovation in renewable materials, International Paper ensures that its products contribute positively to society. For employees, this means joining a workplace that aligns with modern values—sustainability, equity, and growth.
In summary, International Paper is a company that offers much more than a paycheck. It provides a chance to join a respected global leader, work alongside skilled professionals, and make an impact that reaches beyond the walls of the factory. The Cedar Rapids opportunity for Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians is one such example of how International Paper blends stability, career development, and purpose into a fulfilling job.
Job Description
The role of Hourly Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at International Paper is designed for individuals with technical expertise and a passion for hands-on work in an industrial environment. This position is central to maintaining the efficiency of paper production processes at the Cedar River Mill. As part of the Maintenance Optimization Team, the technician’s work directly influences machine availability, product quality, and overall plant performance.
A core part of the job involves electrical troubleshooting and repair. This includes diagnosing problems with circuits, repairing faults, and ensuring safe operation of electrical systems. Since the facility uses advanced technology, technicians must also handle control logic troubleshooting for Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS). These systems are vital to the automation of paper manufacturing, and keeping them operational is key to plant success.
The technician will also be responsible for working with variable frequency drives (VFDs) from ABB and Allen Bradley, ensuring these drives operate efficiently to control motor speed and torque. Another important responsibility is servicing three-phase power distribution systems, breakers, and switchgear operations for both low-voltage (600V) and medium-voltage (15kV) systems. The ability to test and troubleshoot induction and synchronous motors, as well as motor starters, is critical for preventing costly downtime.
Instrumentation is another area of focus. The technician will calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair Rosemount instrumentation and Fisher control valves to maintain precise process control. This work ensures consistent quality in paper production while also enhancing energy efficiency.
In addition to reactive maintenance, the technician will perform preventive and predictive maintenance tasks. This includes inspections, calibrations, and condition monitoring to detect potential failures before they occur. By proactively maintaining equipment, the technician helps extend asset life and reduce unplanned downtime. All maintenance work must be documented in the company’s SAP-based Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), providing transparency and supporting continuous improvement.
The job requires a commitment to safety and teamwork. Technicians will work alongside operators, engineers, and other maintenance staff, often in high-pressure situations where quick decisions are necessary. Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams are essential.
This position is best suited for individuals who thrive in an industrial setting, have strong technical skills, and are motivated by problem-solving. With its blend of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation responsibilities, the role provides daily challenges and opportunities to learn. For someone looking to grow in the maintenance field, this position offers not only immediate responsibility but also a long-term career path.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the role of Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at International Paper, candidates must meet several requirements that ensure they are prepared for the challenges of the position.
At a minimum, applicants must possess a High School Diploma or GED, though higher technical education is strongly preferred. A vocational or technical education in instrumentation or electrical disciplines is advantageous and may substitute for some work experience.
The company requires candidates to have at least three years of industrial maintenance experience in one or more relevant areas, such as electrical systems or instrumentation. Alternatively, one year of focused vocational or technical education in these disciplines may be considered. This requirement ensures candidates bring practical, hands-on expertise to the job.
Technical skills are central to success in this role. Candidates should have proven ability in electrical circuit troubleshooting, control logic repair for Allen Bradley PLCs and Honeywell DCS, and variable frequency drive maintenance. Knowledge of three-phase power distribution systems, induction and synchronous motors, and motor starters is also essential. Additionally, proficiency in reading electrical and mechanical schematics will help technicians diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
A working knowledge of industrial instrumentation, particularly Rosemount devices and Fisher control valves, is another critical requirement. Candidates who have experience calibrating, troubleshooting, and repairing such equipment will be well-suited for the role.
Beyond technical expertise, International Paper values safe work practices. A strong safety record and an understanding of industry regulations are mandatory. The ability to function effectively in a team-based environment is also necessary, as the role requires collaboration with operators, engineers, and fellow maintenance staff.
Basic computer literacy is required, particularly for entering data into SAP-based maintenance systems and generating accurate reports. Strong oral and written communication skills will help technicians document their work and communicate effectively with colleagues.
Finally, candidates must demonstrate adaptability. The nature of the mill’s operations may require rotating shifts, weekend work, and flexible scheduling, so technicians should be willing to adjust as needed. A mindset open to continuous learning and development will also stand out, as International Paper offers training and progression opportunities for employees who wish to advance.
Location
This position is based at Cedar River Mill, located at:
4600 C St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
The facility is a cornerstone of International Paper’s U.S. operations, contributing significantly to the production of containerboard for corrugated packaging. Cedar Rapids, known as the “City of Five Seasons,” is Iowa’s second-largest city, offering a balance of industrial growth and community living. With a strong manufacturing base, affordable cost of living, and diverse cultural opportunities, it provides an attractive location for professionals seeking stability and quality of life.
Last Date
The last date to apply for this position is September 8, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
Apply Link
Candidates can apply directly through the International Paper careers page.
Apply here: International Paper Careers – Electrical and Instrumentation Technician.
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