Electrical & Automation Reliability Lead

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Cascades is seeking an Electrical and Automation Reliability Lead to advance standardized reliability processes for critical paper machine systems at the Ashland, VA facility, onsite. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, with at least 3 years in maintenance, reliability, or engineering in a high speed manufacturing environment, and hands on PLC, drives, sensors, and controls experience; paper mill experience is highly desirable. You will lead breakdown elimination and RCA efforts, analyze performance trends, and coordinate with operators, maintenance, OEMs, and contractors, aligning maintenance with production goals. To apply, tailor your resume to quantify uptime gains, defect reductions, Lean practices, and cross functional impact, and show strong communication and prioritization under pressure, while aligning with Cascades values and benefits.

Welcome to Cascades!

At Cascades, Sustainable Development means Respecting the True Nature of our 10,000 talents. We put you first:

• Flex and connected mode
• Profit sharing plan
• Telemedicine, Group insurance and pension plan with company contributions
• Accessible gym space or annual flexible reimbursement program
• Employee assistance program (because we care about the physical and mental health of our people)
• Salary range for Reliability Lead between $90k and $110k USD annually

At our facility in Ashland, VA, you can develop your full potential, sustainably, by applying your expertise within the Packaging team:

• Develop and standardize electrical and automation reliability processes, tools, and methodologies to ensure consistent defect identification and effective resolution across critical paper machine systems.
• Lead electrical and automation–focused Breakdown Elimination activities, using structured problem‑solving techniques and formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Analyze equipment performance trends, electrical failure patterns, and automation system data to proactively recommend improvements that increase system reliability and uptime.
• Collaborate closely with operators, maintenance teams, and process control personnel to verify defect resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Work directly with OEMs, electrical manufacturers, and automation contractors to assess technical issues, coordinate troubleshooting, and support system upgrades or modifications.
• Prioritize and schedule planned electrical and automation maintenance activities, ensuring alignment with production needs and reliability objectives.
• Share best practices with other Reliability Leads, promoting continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams.

Bring out the best in yourself!

Every day, our colleagues choose to respect their true nature by contributing with passion to our mission.

You too, put forward your strengths:

• Strong passion for leading and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to achieve reliability goals.
• Hands-on expertise in electrical, automation, or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment; paper mill experience is highly advantageous.
• Good understanding of reliability principles, maintenance processes, and condition‑based monitoring for electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex electrical and automation systems, including PLCs, drives, sensors, and networked controls.
• Excellent analytical and critical‑thinking abilities, with the capacity to solve problems in fast‑moving or high‑pressure situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with organization and clarity.
• Knowledge of Lean Production System practices and a continuous‑improvement mindset, an asset
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation, industrial technology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering within a high‑speed manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience in the paper industry, particularly with paper machine electrical and control systems, is highly desirable.
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We look forward to meeting you!

About Cascades
Cascades believes in the success of an inclusive organization that values diversity within its team. All qualified candidates will be considered for this position in a fair manner.
To be part of Cascades is to reveal the full potential of materials, people and ideas. We are a source of possibilities since 1964. Cascades has been providing sustainable, innovative and value-creating solutions in packaging, hygiene and recovery. Join 10,000 talents working in a network in almost 70 operating units located in North America.