Plant Optimization Engineer (Columbus, IN)

Packaging Corporation of America•Columbus, IN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

PCA is recruiting a Plant Optimization Engineer for its corrugated box plant in Columbus, Indiana. This is a full-time, salaried developmental role for recent engineering graduates with 0–2 years of experience. The position is part of a two-year rotational training 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 throughout the plant, commonly involving 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 in a selected career path, at the current or another plant or paper mill with a suitable 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 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 travel by air and car.
Solid interpersonal skills for communicating effectively with production teams and management.
Ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communicating departmental procedures, policies, practices, and information requests across the company.
Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
Leadership experience or strong leadership skills and motivation to lead others.
Ability to build relationships and network with people of varied experience and professional levels inside and outside the company.
Teamwork experience or a strong understanding of open communication and information sharing between team members.

Nice To Haves

At least one internship or co-op, preferably 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 or 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.
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 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, plant leaders, machine operators, 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 customer service.
Support PCA’s Commitment to Service by meeting customer needs, adding value, supporting growth, and keeping promises.