Plant Optimization Engineer - Mechanical (Kingsburg, CA)

PCA•Kingsburg, CA

37d•$83,000 - $86,000•Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a Fortune 500 company and a leader in corrugated packaging and paper products. The Kingsburg, CA corrugated box plant facility is seeking a recent college graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree for the Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) position. This is a developmental program designed for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, offering a 2-year rotational training experience in Maintenance and Production departments. The goal is to develop well-rounded employees and future leaders within PCA. POEs will work on engineering process optimization projects, focusing on areas like scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, while also providing engineering support to plant functions. Upon successful completion, the POE will transition into a full-time role, potentially in Production or Maintenance leadership positions.

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering is required prior to starting the position.
0-2 years 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 the production department rotation as needed.
Must be self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on, manufacturing environment.
Must be able to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel via air and car.
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 with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals throughout the company on departmental procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information.
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 with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experiences and professional levels both within and outside of the company.
Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one Internship or Co-op is preferred, especially in a manufacturing environment.
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.

Responsibilities

Rotate through all departments at a corrugated plant, completing assigned learning objectives and technical training in each area.
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 to follow the POE program.
Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service that involves doing what is right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.