Plant Optimization Engineer

About the Role

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), a Fortune 500 company, is seeking a Plant Optimization Engineer for its corrugated box plant in Plymouth, MI. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, part of a developmental program for recent engineering graduates.

Program Overview

• The Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) Program is a 2-year rotational training experience.
• Aims to develop recent engineering graduates into well-rounded employees and future leaders at PCA.
• Provides in-depth, hands-on technical training in Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant.
• Offers a comprehensive understanding of the corrugated packaging industry.
• Involves completing engineering process optimization projects focusing on areas like scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction.
• Provides engineering support to all plant functions.
• Upon successful completion, POEs transition into a full-time role aligned with their skills and interests, potentially in box plant leadership/management positions in Production or Maintenance.

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 improved reliability.
• Recommend and drive innovative solutions to enhance equipment, facility, and plant operations.
• Attend POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
• Collaborate with other POEs, the plant leadership team, and operators to complete projects.
• Work with a POE Mentor/manager to conceptualize a career path.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, share beneficial information, and improve customer service delivery.
• Support PCA’s business philosophy of meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

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 with the ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills.
• Ability to network and build relationships with individuals at various levels, both internally and externally.
• Previous teamwork experience or understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing.