About the role#
The Plant Optimization Engineer Internship provides technical experience within the production and maintenance departments of our box plants. You will work alongside engineers, maintenance staff, contractors, and vendors to support plant operations. Mentors are provided to help guide your professional development throughout the program. Interns who complete the program successfully may receive an offer for a full-time position after graduation.
What you'll do#
- Organize and implement process improvements and capital projects.
- Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot technical problems.
- Recommend solutions to improve equipment, facility, and plant operations.
- Manage multiple projects and take ownership of your tasks.
- Present your internship experience to management at the end of the term.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment as a student in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
- Completion of at least your freshman year of college.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0.
- Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Location & details#
- Location: Plano, Texas.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Status: Paid, full-time position.
About Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America produces containerboard and uncoated freesheet. The company operates ten mills and 91 corrugated product plants across the United States. Founded in 1959, it maintains corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois. The business employs approximately 16,800 people and reported net sales of 9 billion dollars in 2025.
How to get in at Packaging Corporation of America
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