Plant Optimization Engineer (New Oxford, PA)

PCA • New Oxford, PA

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 New Oxford, Pennsylvania. This full-time, salaried role is a two-year developmental rotational program for recent engineering graduates, designed to provide hands-on technical training in Maintenance and Production and a broad understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. The engineer will also complete plant-wide process optimization projects, commonly involving scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed.

After successful completion of the program, the engineer will transition to a full-time role in a selected career path, at the current plant or another PCA plant or paper mill with an aligned opening. Typical career paths include Production or Maintenance leadership and management roles.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering required 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 hands-on manufacturing work.
• 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for communicating across the company about procedures, policies, practices, and information requests.
• Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills and motivation to lead others.
• Ability to network and build relationships with people of varied experiences 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 among team members.

Nice To Haves

• At least one internship or co-op, especially in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Science 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 corrugated plant departments and complete assigned learning objectives and technical training.
• Organize and implement process improvements, problem-elimination efforts, and capital or expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
• Recommend, drive, or implement solutions to improve equipment, facilities, and plant operations.
• Attend and participate in POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
• Collaborate with other Plant Optimization Engineers, plant leaders, machine operators, and maintenance operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE mentor or manager to develop a career path for 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, pursuing strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping promises.

Benefits

• Annual bonus based on individual contribution and overall company performance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation per calendar year, prorated in the initial year based on hire 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