Staff Engineer - Mechanical

PCA; Lake Forest (IL); Remote; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Staff Engineer to drive impactful projects in the paper and corrugated packaging sector. This hands-on role involves providing technical support and project management across various locations, ensuring the successful installation and alignment of machinery. With a focus on safety and operational excellence, the ideal candidate will leverage their engineering expertise and communication skills to influence outcomes and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. If you're passionate about making a difference in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industrial experience in the paper/corrugated industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and project management across the business.
• Evaluate and apply engineering techniques for project success.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in all project designs.

Skills

Alignment Services

Equipment Installation

Mechanical Construction

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

AutoCAD

Job description

Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA ● Virtual Req #21923

Thursday, May 1, 2025

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.

The Staff Engineer will travel to various PCA locations to support projects across the organization in both plants and papermills. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of industrial experience, preferably in the paper/corrugated industry. This is a hands-on position, working side-by-side with the leaders, contractors, and personnel to drive projects to completion. It’s an exciting opportunity for anyone that wants to make an impact on the organization, while working with the best team in the industry!

Relocation is NOT required but, ideal candidates must have reasonable access to reliable air transportation.

The primary responsibilities include alignment support for a range of projects, including new machine installation, machine survey work, troubleshooting and maintenance. This includes diligently recording all findings for reporting purposes, as well as reviewing historical documentation, and providing succinct and comprehensive reports for other members of the team. The Staff Engineer will use engineering acumen and best judgement when making decisions regarding alignment of machine components.

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 plant 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:

• Experience in Alignment Services, Equipment Installation or Mechanical Construction as related to alignment and layout services.
• Bachelor 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.
• 2 + years in an industrial paper and/or corrugating environment, design engineering environment, or construction services.
• 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).

All qualified applicants must apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.