Area Manufacturing Manager - Controls

Packaging Corporation of America; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary range communicated

Bonuses

Paid vacation

401(k)

Health benefits

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is seeking an Area Manufacturing Manager (AMM) to lead technical excellence across PCA mills, applying advanced manufacturing expertise to optimize performance and ensure quality. The AMM partners with mill teams and corporate resources to drive continuous improvement and technology adoption.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years in controls or manufacturing, 5+ years in papermill experience, strong PLC/VFD knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
• Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
• Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
• Support business and plant capital planning.
• Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
• Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
• Serve as SME in Process Controls (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and VFDs.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Project management

Communication skills

Papermill experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

PanelView/FactoryTalk View

VFDs (AC/DC/Servo)

Job description

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

The Area Manufacturing Manager (AMM) is a key technical leader responsible for driving operational excellence and innovation across PCA mills. This role applies advanced manufacturing expertise to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality. Acting as a strategic partner, the AMM collaborates with mill teams and corporate resources to implement technologies, share best practices, and foster continuous improvement.

Relocation not required - candidates must have access to reliable air transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
• Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
• Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
• Support business and plant capital planning.
• Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
• Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
• Serve as subject matter expert in:
  • Process Controls: Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, PLC5), Siemens PLC.
  • Variable Frequency Drives: AC, DC, Servo (ABB/Rockwell/Siemens).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent military experience/training.
• 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.
• 5+ years of papermill experience required.
• Expertise in VFDs (AC, DC, Servo), preferably Rockwell.
• Strong knowledge of converting machine controls and PLC projects.
• Ability to travel up to 80% within the U.S.; must reside in the lower 48 states.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA-70E, and electrical safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of process controls and PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Experience with PLC hardware/software design and operator interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView).
• Proven project management skills for installations and rebuilds.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of AC/DC motors, drives, and servo systems.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $129,500-$185,000
• 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