Plant Optimization Engineer

About the Role

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a Fortune 500 company seeking to be the leader in corrugated packaging and deliver Paper With Purpose. With approximately 15,000 team members across over 100 locations in the United States, PCA strives to meet local customer needs with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

The Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) position is a developmental program designed for recent college graduates with engineering degrees and 0-2 years of experience. This full-time, salaried position with benefits offers a rotational training experience with the goal of developing well-rounded employees and future leaders at PCA.

PCA’s POE Program

The POE Program is a 2-year rotational training program providing recent engineering graduates with in-depth, hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. The program involves completing engineering process optimization projects, typically focusing on scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and providing engineering support to all plant functions. Upon successful completion, the Plant Optimization Engineer will transition into a new full-time role, potentially in leadership/management positions within Production or Maintenance, at their current plant or another PCA facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Rotate through all departments at a corrugated plant, completing assigned learning objectives and technical training.
• Organize and implement process improvements, problem elimination, and capital/expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
• Recommend and implement innovative solutions to enhance equipment, facility, and plant operations.
• Attend POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
• Collaborate with other Plant Optimization Engineers, plant leadership, and operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE Mentor/manager to conceptualize a career path post-program.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, share beneficial information, and improve customer service delivery.
• Continuously strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting and exceeding customer expectations, focusing on adding value, supporting growth, and keeping promises.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering (required prior to starting).
• 0-2 years of previous engineering experience, including internships and co-ops, with technical support in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Ability to work first, second, or third shift during production department rotations.
• Self-driven with a passion for a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary, with valid travel documents.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of one internship or co-op, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Paper Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology. Other engineering majors will be considered based on experience.
• Experience with programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with manufacturing systems like shop floor software and maintenance work order systems.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid interpersonal skills for effective communication with production teams and management.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills; ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills with the drive to lead others.
• Strong interpersonal skills to network and build relationships across various professional levels.
• Previous team experience or a strong understanding of open communication and information sharing within a team.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting Salary Range: $83,000 - $87,000
• Annual Bonus: Based on individual contribution and company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata vacation during the initial year based on start date.
• Paid Holidays.
• Benefit Eligibility: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available within the first 30 days of employment. Life, AD&D, and disability coverages are automatic upon hire.
• 401k Plan: Automatic enrollment upon hire with pre-tax and Roth contribution options, plus employer matching contributions.