PLANT OPTIMIZATION ENGINEER (ASHLAND, OH)

About the position

The Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) position at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a developmental role aimed at recent engineering graduates. This full-time, salaried position involves a 2-year rotational training program that provides hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant. The goal is to develop well-rounded employees and future leaders who will complete engineering process optimization projects and support various plant functions. Upon completion, POEs will transition into full-time roles aligned with their skills and interests, typically in leadership or management positions within the plant.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the assigned POE Mentor to stay on track and reinforce role goals.
• Rotate through Maintenance and Production departments, completing assigned technical training.
• Organize and implement process improvements and capital/expense projects focusing on asset health and reliability.
• Recommend and implement innovative solutions to improve equipment and plant operations.
• Attend POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
• Collaborate with other Plant Optimization Engineers and plant leadership to complete projects.
• Work with the POE Mentor to conceptualize a career path post-program.
• Follow company policies and procedures, sharing beneficial information with the team.

Requirements

• 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 in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work first, second, or third shift as needed during the production department rotation.
• Self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess valid travel documents.

Nice-to-haves

• A minimum of one Internship or Co-op in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Paper Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as manufacturing systems like shop floor software and maintenance work order systems is preferred.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC) is preferred.

Benefits

• Full-time salary position with benefits.
• Competitive salary range between $83,000.00 and $87,000.00.