Plant Optimization Engineer

About the Role

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

The POE Program is a 2-year rotational training program providing 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. POEs will also complete engineering process optimization projects, typically in areas of scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and will provide engineering support to all plant functions as needed. Upon successful completion, the Plant Optimization Engineer will transition into a new full-time role aligned with their skills and interests. Typical career paths include 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 moderate to large process improvements, problem elimination, and capital/expense projects focusing on asset health and overall improved reliability.
• Recommend and help drive or implement innovative solutions to improve equipment, facility, and plant operations.
• Attend and participate in POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
• Collaborate with other Plant Optimization Engineers, the plant leadership team, and machine and maintenance operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE Mentor/manager to conceptualize a career path.
• Follow company policies and procedures, share information to benefit the team, and improve customer service delivery.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting and exceeding customer expectations, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering is required.
• 0-2 years of previous engineering experience, including internships and co-ops, providing technical support in a manufacturing plant or industrial environment.
• Ability to work first, second, or third shift during production department rotations as needed.
• Must be self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on, manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel via air and car.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with production team and management.
• Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships.
• Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $83,000 - $87,000
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date.
• Paid Holidays.
• Benefit coverages (medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability) available within the first 30 days of employment.
• 401k plan enrollment upon hire, with pre-tax and Roth contribution options, and employer matching contributions.