Plant Optimization Engineer (Columbus, IN)

PCA • Columbus, IN

1d • $83,000 - $87,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is recruiting a Plant Optimization Engineer for its corrugated box plant in Columbus, Indiana. The position is a full-time, salaried developmental role for recent engineering graduates with 0–2 years of experience. The two-year Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) Program provides rotational, hands-on technical training in a corrugated plant’s Maintenance and Production departments, along with an understanding of the corrugated packaging industry.

POEs complete engineering process-optimization projects across the plant, commonly involving scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed. After successful program completion, the engineer transitions to a full-time role in a chosen career path at the current plant or another plant or paper mill with an opening aligned to their skills and interests. Typical career paths include leadership or management positions in Production or Maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering required before starting the position.
• 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 as needed during the Production rotation.
• Self-driven and passionate about hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for air and car travel.
• Solid interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with production teams and management.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills, including communicating departmental procedures, policies, practices, and information requests across the company.
• Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills; ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills and drive to lead others.
• Ability to network and build relationships with people of varied backgrounds and professional levels, within and outside the company.
• Previous experience as a team member, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among team members.

Nice To Haves

• At least one internship or co-op, especially 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 may be considered depending on experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and manufacturing systems such as shop-floor software and maintenance work-order systems.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through all departments at a corrugated plant and complete assigned learning objectives and technical training.
• Organize and implement moderate to large process-improvement, problem-elimination, and capital or expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
• Recommend and help drive or implement 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, machine operators, and maintenance operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE mentor or manager to conceptualize a career path to pursue after the program.
• Follow company policies and procedures, share useful information with team members, and identify ways to improve customer service.
• Support PCA’s Commitment to Service by doing what is right for customers, focusing on value-adding strategies that support growth, and keeping promises.
• Complete engineering process-optimization projects, typically involving scrap reduction, throughput improvements, or downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed.

Benefits

• Annual bonus based on individual contribution and overall company performance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, prorated during the initial year based on start date.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and dependents, with enrollment eligibility within the first 30 days of employment.
• Life, AD&D, and disability coverage, with automatic enrollment upon employment.
• 401(k) plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options and employer matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level