Staff Engineer II

Packaging Corporation of America; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America is seeking a Staff Engineer II to lead engineering initiatives that improve manufacturing processes and enhance quality. You will design cost-effective solutions and manage capital projects.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and at least 5 years of experience in an industrial setting. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to travel extensively within the U.S.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in an industrial paper and/or design engineering environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with consulting engineers and local authorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and project management across the business.
• Evaluate and apply engineering techniques in projects.
• Ensure safety/environmental adherence in project designs.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Engineering judgment

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

AutoCAD

Job description

Staff Engineer II - Innovate, Lead, and Drive Operational Excellence

As a Staff Engineer II, you'll be the technical expert, leading initiatives and projects that improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality. You'll design and implement optimal, cost‑effective solutions, and champion transformation efforts through hands‑on leadership and collaboration.

About PCA

PCA is the third‑largest manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging in the U.S. We're more than a packaging company—we're an ideas and solutions partner. Our culture thrives on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. With three dynamic business units—Containerboard, White Paper, and Corrugated Plants—we produce billions of square feet of corrugated products annually, backed by a commitment to quality and growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the business and manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications.
• Provide project management support across the business when and where needed as projects arise.
• Involved in developing business and/or capital plans.
• Make actionable recommendations based on sound engineering judgment.
• Manage multiple capital and maintenance projects, including initial planning, design, documenting, budgeting, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Must be able to generate drawings, specifications, and instructions necessary to convey project requirements to others.
• Dedication to ensuring a safe work environment. Ensure that safety/environmental requirements are adhered to on all project designs and that all projects receive adequate hazard reviews prior to installation. Responsible for managing safety during installation/implementation.
• Coordinates and supervises work scope with outside contractors and engineering groups on various sized projects.
• Maintain projects on budget and on schedule.
• Write reports and give presentations based on analysis of information and written materials.
• Ability to organize, plan and work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology from an accredited college or university. Other degrees considered with substantial experience.
• Ability to travel 80% of the time and can reside anywhere in lower 48 states with good access to reliable air transportation.
• 5 + years in an industrial paper and/or corrugating environment or design engineering environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence and persuade others.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Ability to work well with consulting engineers, local utility providers, and local authorities having jurisdiction.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and AutoCAD (or similar).