Plant Optimization Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)

PCA • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $83,000 - $87,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America is recruiting a Plant Optimization Engineer for its Los Angeles corrugated box plant. The position is a full-time, salaried developmental role for recent engineering graduates, typically with 0–2 years of experience. The two-year rotational program provides hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments, along with exposure to the corrugated packaging industry. Participants also complete plant-wide engineering process optimization projects, such as scrap reduction, throughput improvement, 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 in a chosen career path, at the current plant or another plant or paper mill with a suitable opening. Typical paths include leadership or management positions in Production or Maintenance.

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 rotation.
• Self-driven, with a strong interest in hands-on manufacturing work.
• Ability to travel as necessary and valid documents for air and car travel.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills for working with production teams, management, and people across the company.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge.
• 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 build relationships and work effectively with people of varied experience and professional levels.
• Teamwork experience or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing.

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 & 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 corrugated plant departments and complete 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, help 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 leadership, 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 commitments.

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 hire date.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and dependents; enrollment eligibility begins within the first 30 days of employment.
• Life, AD&D, and disability coverage, with automatic enrollment upon eligibility as stated in the posting.
• Automatic enrollment in the 401(k) plan upon hire, with pre-tax and Roth contribution options and employer matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

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