Chemical/Paper Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

Packaging Corporation of America; San Mateo (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision coverage (

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is seeking a Process Engineering Co-Op or Process Control Co-Op to support mill efficiency, data analysis, and control system improvements at PCA locations across the United States.

The role offers hands-on experience in process optimization, data collection, testing, and startup activities, with opportunities to learn AutoCAD, Trident, and control documentation in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required.
• Must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver’s license.
• Majoring in Chemical or Paper Engineering (or related field).
• Freshman year must be completed by time of co‑op/intern.

Responsibilities

• Support process optimization projects to improve mill efficiency, reliability, quality, safety, and cost.
• Collect and analyze process, production, and lab data to troubleshoot issues and guide decisions.
• Conduct routine pulp, paper, and chemical testing for evaluations and quality control.
• Monitor sensing equipment, loops, and control systems for accuracy and reliability.
• Assist with startup activities, maintenance inspections, and safety documentation updates.
• Additional duties as requested by management.
• Support control engineers and mill operations with troubleshooting and system improvements.
• Update drawings and control documentation using Trident, AutoCAD, and Office.
• Assist with audits, loop checks, I/O checkout, and outage support.
• Collect and analyze process/control data to support troubleshooting and decisions.
• Additional duties as requested by management.

Skills

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Chemical Engineering major

Paper Engineering major

Freshman year completed

Tools

AutoCAD

Trident

Microsoft Office

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

Process Engineering Co Op/Intern or Process Control Co Op/Intern

We are seeking resumes for a chemical engineering co-op. This application may lead to two potential job titles depending on mill needs: a process engineering co-op and a process control engineering co-op. The primary responsibilities for both are detailed below.

Process Engineering Co-Op

• 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. Use process information systems for data entry, reporting, trending, and production benchmarking.
• Conduct routine pulp, paper, and chemical testing to support process evaluations, troubleshooting, and quality control. Conduct extra testing on an as needed basis.
• 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.

Process Control Engineering Co-Op

• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

Required:

A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required and must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver's license. Must be majoring in Chemical or Paper Engineering or a related field and have completed freshman year or will have completed freshman year at time of co‑op or internship. Must be 18 years or older at time of co‑op/intern.

Preferred:

Currently a member of the paper foundation at the following schools: Auburn University, Georgia Tech University, University of Maine, Miami University (Ohio), University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, NC State University, SUNY ESF, University of Washington - Seattle, Western Michigan University, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, or currently enrolled at any State University or Technological University in the following states: AL, FL, GA, IL, ID, LA, MI, MN, MS, NC, ND, OH, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI. Students that sign up for interviews during the Career Fairs and On‑Campus Interview days at the schools listed will be given first consideration.

Completing this application makes you eligible for consideration at any of PCA's 10 mill locations as follows:

• Counce, TN
• Deridder, LA
• Filer City, MI
• International Falls, MN
• Jackson, AL
• Massillon, OH
• Riverville, VA
• Tomahawk, WI
• Valdosta, GA
• Wallula, WA

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary for position: $25-$30
• 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