Senior Staff Engineer

Packaging Corporation of America; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to drive capital and maintenance projects across our plants and paper mills. This hands-on role collaborates with leaders and technical teams to bring innovative solutions to life.

You will manage scope from concept to completion, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and deliver projects on time and within budget. A Bachelor's in mechanical engineering and 10+ years in related fields are required; 80% travel is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial paper, corrugating, or design engineering environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD (or similar).
• Ability to travel extensively (80%).
• Organized, self-driven, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and project management support across multiple PCA locations.
• Lead capital and maintenance projects from concept to completion—planning, design, budgeting, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Develop actionable recommendations using sound engineering judgment.
• Create drawings, specifications, and instructions to communicate project requirements.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in all project designs and installations.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and engineering teams on diverse projects.
• Deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Prepare reports and presentations based on data analysis and project outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

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

Senior Staff Engineer

Location: Flexible (Lower 48 States) | Travel: 80% | Relocation: Not Required

Make an Impact Where It Matters

Are you ready to take your engineering expertise on the road and make a real difference? As a Senior Staff Engineer at PCA, you’ll play a critical role in driving projects that shape the future of our manufacturing plants and paper mills. This is a hands‑on position where you’ll work side‑by‑side with leaders and skilled teams to bring innovative solutions to life.

If you thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with the best in the industry, and seeing your work make an immediate impact, this is the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Do

• Provide technical expertise and project management support across multiple PCA locations.
• Lead capital and maintenance projects from concept to completion—planning, design, budgeting, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Develop actionable recommendations using sound engineering judgment.
• Create drawings, specifications, and instructions to communicate project requirements.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in all project designs and installations.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and engineering teams on diverse projects.
• Deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Prepare reports and presentations based on data analysis and project outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 10+ years in industrial paper, corrugating, or design engineering environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD (or similar).
• Ability to travel extensively (80%) – minimum 3 weeks per month.
• Organized, self-driven, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.

Why Join PCA?

• Work on high‑impact projects that shape the future of our operations.
• Collaborate with industry leaders and skilled professionals.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Flexible location—live anywhere in the lower 48 states with access to reliable air travel.

Compensation And Benefits

• Starting salary range for position: $110,000-$170,000
• 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

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.