Plant Optimization Engineer (Chicago, IL)

Packaging Corporation of America•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

PCA is hiring a Plant Optimization Engineer at its Chicago, Illinois corrugated box plant. This is a full-time, salaried developmental role for recent engineering graduates, typically with 0–2 years of experience. The position is part of a two-year rotational training program that provides hands-on technical training in Maintenance and Production and a broad understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. Plant Optimization Engineers complete process-optimization projects throughout the box plant, often focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed. After successful completion of the program, the employee transitions into a full-time role in their chosen career path at the current plant or another plant or paper mill with an appropriate opening. Typical career paths include leadership or management in Production or Maintenance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering completed 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 during the Production department rotation as needed.
Self-driven and passionate about hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to travel as necessary and 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 to people throughout the company.
Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop 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 experience and professional levels within and outside the company.
Previous experience working 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 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, completing assigned learning objectives and technical training in each area.
Organize and implement moderate-to-large process improvements, problem-elimination efforts, 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/manager to develop a career path to follow after the POE program.
Follow company policies and procedures, share useful information with teammates, and identify ways to improve service delivery to customers.
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.
Complete engineering process-optimization projects, commonly involving scrap reduction, throughput improvements, or downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed.