Plant Optimization Engineer (Omaha, NE)

About the role

The Plant Optimization Engineer (POE) is a 2‑year rotational training program for recent engineering graduates (0–2 years experience). The program provides hands‑on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant, along with a broad understanding of the corrugated packaging industry. POEs complete engineering process optimization projects — typically targeting scrap reduction, throughput improvements, and downtime reduction — and provide engineering support to all plant functions. Upon successful completion, the engineer transitions into a full‑time role aligned with their skills and interests, often in box plant leadership or management in Production or Maintenance.

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 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 company policies and procedures, share information that benefits the team, and find ways to improve service delivery to customers.
• Support PCA’s Commitment to Service: do what is right for customers, focus on strategies that add value and support growth, and keep promises made.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering required prior to start.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one internship or co‑op preferred, especially in a manufacturing environment.
• Preferred degrees: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Paper Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology (other engineering majors considered based on experience).
• Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and manufacturing systems such as shop floor software or maintenance work order systems preferred.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience preferred.

Skills

• Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with production team and management.
• Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying departmental procedures, policies, practices, and information requests across the company.
• 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 experience and professional levels inside and outside the company.
• Previous team experience or strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing among team members.

Benefits

• Starting salary range: $83,000–$87,000 per year.
• Annual bonus based on individual contribution and overall company performance.
• Paid vacation: three (3) weeks per calendar year (pro‑rated during initial year based on start date).
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage eligibility within the first 30 days of employment (dependents eligible).
• Automatic enrollment in life, AD&D, and disability coverages upon hire.
• Automatic enrollment in 401(k) plan with pre‑tax and Roth contribution options and employer matching contributions.

Schedule

Full‑time, salaried position. Requires ability to work first, second, or third shift during the production department rotation as needed.