Plant Optimization Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)

Packaging Corporation of America•Los Angeles, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

PCA is recruiting a Plant Optimization Engineer for its corrugated box plant in Los Angeles, California. This full-time, salaried position is a two-year rotational training program for recent engineering graduates, designed to provide hands-on technical experience in the Maintenance and Production departments and a broad understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. The engineer will complete process optimization projects across the plant, typically addressing scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and will provide engineering support to plant functions as needed. After successfully completing the program, the engineer will transition into a full-time role in a selected career path at the current plant or another plant or paper mill with a suitable opening. Typical career paths include production or maintenance leadership and management.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering completed before starting the position.
0–2 years of 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 department rotation.
Self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Ability to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel by air and car.
Solid interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with production teams and management.
Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
Solid verbal and written communication skills, including communicating departmental procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information to individuals throughout the company.
Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
Leadership experience or strong leadership skills and the drive to lead others.
Ability to network and build relationships with people of varied experience and professional levels, inside and outside the company.
Previous experience as a team member, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between 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 and Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology; other engineering majors may be considered depending on experience.
Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience with 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 in each area.
Organize and implement moderate to large process improvements, problem-elimination initiatives, and capital or expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
Recommend, 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, machine operators, and maintenance operators to complete projects.
Work with the POE mentor or manager to develop a career path to follow 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 strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping promises.