Plant Optimization Engineer (Omaha, NE)

PCA • Omaha, NE

1d • $83,000 - $87,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is hiring a Plant Optimization Engineer at its corrugated box plant in Omaha, Nebraska. The role is a full-time, salaried developmental position for recent engineering graduates, generally with 0–2 years of experience. The two-year rotational program provides hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments and exposure to the corrugated packaging industry. Participants also complete plant engineering and process optimization projects, such as reducing scrap, improving throughput, and reducing downtime, and provide engineering support to plant functions as needed.

After successfully completing the program, the engineer transitions to 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 Production or Maintenance leadership and management positions. The position may involve working first, second, or third shift during the Production rotation, as needed, and travel as necessary.

PCA describes itself as a Fortune 500 company with approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 U.S. locations. Its mission is to serve customers with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

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 working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• 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.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate 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 the drive to lead others.
• Ability to build relationships and network with people of varied experience and professional levels inside 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 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, and with manufacturing systems such as shop-floor software or maintenance work-order systems.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Responsibilities

• Rotate through corrugated plant departments and complete assigned learning objectives and technical training.
• Organize and implement moderate to large process improvements, problem elimination, 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 leadership, and machine and maintenance operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE mentor or manager to conceptualize 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 doing what is right for customers, focusing on 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.
• Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and dependents within the first 30 days of employment.
• Automatic enrollment upon hire in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Automatic enrollment upon hire in the 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