Plant Optimization Engineer (Chicago, IL)

PCA • Chicago, IL

3d • $83,000 - $86,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is hiring a Plant Optimization Engineer for its corrugated box plant in Chicago, Illinois. The Plant Optimization Engineer position is a developmental program for recent engineering graduates with 0–2 years of experience. It is a full-time, salaried role with benefits.

The two-year rotational program provides hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments and exposure to the corrugated packaging industry. Participants complete plant engineering and process optimization projects, typically focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvements, downtime reduction, and related operational needs, while providing engineering support across plant functions.

After successful completion, the employee transitions into a full-time role in a 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 as needed during the Production department rotation.
• Self-driven and passionate about hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.
• Able to travel as necessary and possess 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate departmental procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information across the company.
• Strong listening, evaluation, and problem-solving skills; ability to create 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 varied experience and professional levels, both within 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 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, as well as manufacturing systems such as shop-floor software and maintenance work-order systems.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC).

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-improvement, problem-elimination, and capital or expense projects focused on asset health and reliability.
• Recommend and help 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, plant leadership, 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 information that benefits the team, 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 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 start date.
• Paid holidays.
• Eligibility within the first 30 days of employment to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
• 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