Plant Optimization Engineer (New Oxford, PA)

Packaging Corporation of America•New Oxford, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

PCA is recruiting a Plant Optimization Engineer at its corrugated box plant in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. This is a full-time, salaried developmental position for recent engineering graduates with 0–2 years of experience. The role is part of a two-year rotational program that provides hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments and a broad understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. Plant Optimization Engineers complete process optimization projects across the plant, typically focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed. After successfully completing the program, the engineer transitions into a full-time role aligned with their chosen career path, either at the current facility or at another plant or paper mill with an appropriate opening. Common career paths include leadership or management roles 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 during the Production department rotation as needed.
Self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Ability to travel as necessary and 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 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 the drive to lead others.
Ability to network and build relationships with people of different 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 or 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.
Organize and implement moderate to large process improvements, problem-elimination efforts, and capital or expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
Recommend, drive, or implement innovative 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, the plant leadership team, and machine and maintenance operators to complete projects.
Work with the POE mentor or manager to develop a career path to pursue after the program.
Follow company policies and procedures, share useful information with team members, 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 made to customers.