Chemical Engineering Co‑op: Process Optimization & Control

Packaging Corporation; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) invites students to join our Process Engineering Co‑Op or Process Control Co‑Op programs. Work at PCA’s mills to develop hands-on skills in process optimization, data analysis, and control systems within a Fortune 500 manufacturing environment.

You will gain experience across PCA locations, collaborating with engineering teams to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality while learning industry-standard tools and processes.

Qualifications

• GPA 3.0/4.0 required.
• Permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver’s license.
• Majoring in Chemical or Paper Engineering or related field.
• Freshman year completed or will complete by time of co‑op.
• Must be 18 years or older at time of co‑op/intern.

Responsibilities

• Support process optimization and engineering projects that improve mill efficiency, reliability, quality, safety, and cost performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process, production, and laboratory data to troubleshoot issues and support business decisions.
• Conduct routine pulp, paper, and chemical testing to support process evaluations, troubleshooting, and quality control.
• Monitor key process sensing equipment, consistency loops, and control systems to verify accuracy, reliability, and proper operation.
• Support startup activities, maintenance inspections, lab supply management, and updates to safety or chemical documentation.
• Additional duties as requested by management.
• Support process control engineers, instrument technicians, and mill operations with troubleshooting, advanced process control, DCS, and control system improvement efforts.
• Use process information systems, Microsoft Office, Trident, AutoCAD, and other company software to update drawings, equipment files, functional specifications, and control documentation.
• Assist with system audits, loop checks, I/O checkout, startup support, and correction of control system documentation and wiring records during outages or down days.
• Collect, enter, and analyze process and control systems data to support troubleshooting, reliability, process optimization, and business decision-making.
• Additional duties as requested by management.

Education

Chemical or Paper Engineering

Freshman year completed or will complete by time of co-op

U.S. resident with valid driver's license

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Trident

Job description

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) invites students to join our Process Engineering Co‑Op or Process Control Co‑Op programs. Work at PCA’s mills to develop hands-on skills in process optimization, data analysis, and control systems within a Fortune 500 manufacturing environment.

You will gain experience across PCA locations, collaborating with engineering teams to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality while learning industry-standard tools and processes.