Plant Optimization Engineer (Chicago, IL)

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company.  Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds.  Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence.  We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers.  Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust

PCA is currently recruiting for a Plant Optimization Engineer based at the Chicago, IL corrugated box plant facility.

Description of role: 

The Plant Optimization Engineer Position (POE) is a developmental program which focuses on hiring recent college graduates with degrees in engineering (0-2 years experience) into a rotational training experience with the goal of developing them into well-rounded employees and future leaders at PCA. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. 

What is PCA’s POE Program?

The POE Program is a 2-year rotational training program designed to give recent engineering graduates in depth, hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant, and a well-rounded understanding of the corrugated packaging industry as a whole. In addition, POEs will complete engineering process optimization projects throughout the box plant, typically in areas of scrap reduction, throughput improvements, downtime reduction, etc., and will provide engineering support to all plant functions as needed.

Upon successful completion of the program, the Plant Optimization Engineer will transition into a new full-time role in the chosen career path either at their current plant, or another plant or paper mill that has an opening that aligns with their skills and interests. 

Typical career paths for those who have completed the POE Program include box plant leadership/management positions in Production or Maintenance.

Principle Accountabilities: 

• 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 improvements, problem elimination and capital/expense projects focusing on asset health and overall improved reliability.
• Recommend and help drive, or implement innovative 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, the plant leadership team, and machine and maintenance operators to complete projects.
• Work with the POE Mentor/manager to conceptualize a career path to follow the POE program.
• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service that involves doing what is right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering is required prior to starting the position.
• 0-2 years 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.
• Must be self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on, manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel via air and car. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A minimum of one Internship or Co-op is preferred, especially in a manufacturing environment.
• Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Paper Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology is preferred. Other engineering majors will be considered depending on experience.
• Experience with programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as experience with manufacturing systems like shop floor software, maintenance work order systems, etc. is preferred.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience preferred.

The successful candidate MUST possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with production team and management.
• Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals throughout the company on departmental procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills.  Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience or strong leadership skills with the drive to lead others.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experiences and professional levels both within and outside of the company.
• Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $83,000-$86,000. 
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance. 
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year. 

• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.