Plant Optimization Engineer (Chicago, IL)

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.

• 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.

Principle Accountabilities

• Rotate through all departments at a corrugated plant, completing assigned learning objectives and technical training in each area.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.