Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

$108.5k - $170k

Packaging Corporation of America

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

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.

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

Are you ready to take your engineering expertise on the road and make a real difference? As a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer at PCA, you'll play a critical role in driving projects that shape the future of our manufacturing plants and papermills. 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

  • Project Engineering – develop, evaluate, and propose solutions, create project scopes and budgets, write vendor/contractor scopes and specifications, evaluate proposals and make recommendations.
  • Construction Management – create project schedule, coordinate with the plant or papermill personnel, and supervise contractors.
  • Technical Support – troubleshoot and solve equipment downtime and production issues.
  • Project Management – lead capital and maintenance projects from concept to completion—planning, design, budgeting, implementation, and troubleshooting.
  • AutoCAD – creating drawings, general arrangements, concept layout, piping schematic/iso, basic civil/structural construction drawings.
  • Develop actionable recommendations using sound engineering judgment.
  • 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.
  • 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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Starting salary range for position: $108,500-$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.

Vacancy posted 4 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer in Lake Forest, IL vacancy
  •  ...Flexible (Lower 48 States) | Travel: 80% | Relocation: Not RequiredAre you ready to take your engineering expertise on the road and make a real difference? As a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer at PCA, you’ll play a critical role in driving projects that shape the future of... 
    Senior
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Immediate start
    Relocation
    Flexible hours

    Packaging Corporation of America

    Lake Forest, IL
    22 hours ago
  • As a Staff Mechanical Engineer II, you’ll be the technical expert, leading initiatives and projects that improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance production quality. You’ll design and implement optimal, cost-effective solutions, and champion transformation... 
    Suggested
    For contractors
    Local area
    Relocation
    Flexible hours

    Packaging Corporation of America

    Lake Forest, IL
    22 hours ago
  •  ...professionalism, and having fun. \n GAM manufactures precision mechanical components for the Motion Control Industry. Our manufacturing...  ...is high-mix, low-volume, and highly flexible , providing engineers the opportunity to work on challenging, custom applications and... 
    Senior
    Casual work
    Flexible hours

    GAM Enterprises, LLC

    Mundelein, IL
    19 days ago
  •  ...constraints, and RF behavior that pushes well beyond conventional power electronics design.  We are building an elite team of electrical engineers and physicists with high autonomy, strong first-principles thinking, and a desire to build technology that feels impossible until... 
    Senior
    Flexible hours

    Until

    Mundelein, IL
    24 days ago
  • AbbVie is seeking a senior veterinary pathologist to assess early drug safety. The role involves evaluating anatomical and clinical pathology data, directing in vivo and in vitro studies and integrating findings into comprehensive safety assessments. You will collaborate... 
    Senior

    BioSpace

    North Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...AbbVie seeks a Senior Principal Research Scientist or Director of Process Engineering to lead drug product manufacturing development for small molecule candidates. The role involves scaling laboratory processes to commercial production and may include technical leadership... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    11 days ago
  •  ...Senior Principal Pathologist position focused on evaluating safety of experimental compounds through nonclinical models and cross-functional collaboration. The role involves designing in vivo studies, interpreting pathology data, and generating comprehensive safety assessments... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    7 days ago
  •  ...AbbVie seeks a Senior Scientist II or Principal Scientist I to lead biologics drug product formulation and process development within the R&D organization. The role involves designing development studies, managing scale-up and technology transfer, and collaborating across... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    11 days ago
  • $40 - $48 per hour

     ...Job Title: Mechanical Engineer IIJob Description We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer II to join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will help resolve complex engineering challenges and contribute to the design and development of next-generation... 
    Contract work
    Temporary work

    Actalent

    Highland Park, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...Senior Principal Engineer providing enterprise-level technical leadership for plastic injection and blow molding technologies in pharmaceutical...  ...and equipment Requirements ~ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field ~8-1... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...Senior Director of Process Engineering for Peptides API at AbbVie, responsible for establishing technical governance, engineering standards, and strategic direction across biologics and cell-gene therapy manufacturing platforms. The role provides enterprise-level leadership... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...Senior Director of Process Engineering at AbbVie sets enterprise direction and technical governance for biologics drug substance and cell-gene therapy manufacturing. The role drives global engineering standards, leads strategic capital investments, and ensures technical... 
    Senior

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    11 days ago
  • $20 - $34 per hour

     ...looking to add a Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering Co-Oplocated in our Libertyville, IL site...  ...studiesSupport ASRS, AMR validation and mechanical improvementsAssist with vision system tuning...  ...for this Co-Op assignment:Junior/Senior student pursuing Bachelors degree in Robotics... 
    Full time
    Internship
    Flexible hours

    Flextronics

    Libertyville, IL
    3 days ago
  • AbbVie is seeking a Maintenance Technician III (HVAC Controls) to perform senior level technical support in the maintenance department. The role trains lower-level technicians and ensures reliable equipment and quality standards. Shift is 6am-2:30pm, Monday to Friday,... 
    Senior
    Monday to Friday
    Shift work

    ABBVIE

    North Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • $145k - $175k

     ...2026-02-05Principal Tooling Engineer - Injection MoldingLocation:...  ...hands-on position ideal for a senior tooling professional who enjoys...  ...and internal engineering staff.Deliver status updates aligned...  ...measurement tools, and electronic/mechanical test equipment.Why... 
    Relocation package

    Sterling Engineering

    Buffalo Grove, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...Senior Accountant — North Chicago, IL ~ Hybrid: Tuesday/Thursday onsite, 3 days remote ~ Accounting-focused role supporting month-end close, reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, and process improvements ~2+ years of public accounting/audit preferred... 
    Senior
    Remote work

    Brilliant®

    North Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  •  ...AbbVie is seeking a Packaging Engineering Co-Op for a paid, six-month program based at our North Chicago campus, with opportunities to work on various packaging formats. The role involves development, testing, material selection, data analysis, and sustainability initiatives... 
    3 days per week

    BioSpace

    North Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ..., and cross-functional collaboration. The Transformation Senior Process Engineer will serve as the technical lead for process and equipment design...  ...engineer and may participate in the evaluation of assigned staff/project team members and in the identification of... 
    Senior
    Temporary work
    Local area

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    22 days ago
  •  ..., and cross-functional collaboration. The Transformation Senior Process Engineer will serve as the technical lead for process and equipment design...  ...engineer and may participate in the evaluation of assigned staff/project team members and in the identification of... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Local area

    AbbVie Inc.

    North Chicago, IL
    a month ago
  •  ...Description Position Overview Full-time | Hybrid The Senior Principal Engineer, Plastics Molding provides enterprise-level technical...  .... #LI-AL1 Qualifications ~ Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Engineering, Science, or... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Work at office
    Local area

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    8 days ago
  •  ...,  X and  YouTube. Job Description Are you a passionate engineer who thrives at the intersection of science, innovation, and impact...  ...into life-changing medicines — and we're looking for a Senior Principal Research Scientist or  Director, Process Engineering... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Local area

    AbbVie Inc.

    North Chicago, IL
    17 days ago
  • $120k - $150k

    Astronics SubsidiaryAstronics CSC LocationLake Zurich, IL DescriptionJoin the Astronics team as a Principal Staff Electrical Engineer! Job Summary:Experienced developer with proven ability to design for passing EMI/EMC tests and to troubleshoot and diagnosis EMC/EMI qualification... 
    Part time
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Astronics

    Waukegan, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...comprehensive safety assessment for early drug development programs. Responsibilities Provide scientific expertise to scientific staff of other departments as a member of cross-functional teams. In cooperation with the Toxicology Department, design, direct, and... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Local area

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    9 days ago
  •  ...about AbbVie, please visit us at  Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Job Description Process Engineering, a part of AbbVie R&D’s Small Molecule CMC Development organization, is responsible for designing and developing scalable... 
    Senior
    Work experience placement
    Local area

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    29 days ago
  •  ...LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.Job Description\n\nPosition Summary:\nThe Sr Director Process Engineering Peptides API sets enterprise direction and senior technical governance for process engineering strategy, process platform deployment, process package... 
    Senior
    Temporary work
    Local area

    AbbVie

    North Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  •  ...AbbVie Inc. in North Chicago, IL seeks a Packaging Engineering Co-Op for a six-month paid program working on meaningful packaging projects. You will gain exposure to multiple formats and materials while housing and shuttle support may be provided. Expected to work at... 
    3 days per week

    Jobleads-US

    North Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...,  Instagram ,  X and  YouTube. Job Description Position Summary: The Sr Director Process Engineering Peptides API sets enterprise direction and senior technical governance for process engineering strategy, process platform deployment, process package design... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Local area

    AbbVie Inc.

    North Chicago, IL
    a month ago
  •  ...Mechanical Engineer A family-owned Aerospace company, Dynomax designs, manufactures and develops high-precision machined components, injection molding and tooling, sub-assemblies, automated work cells, and specialty machines since 1986. We are seeking a hands-on... 
    Temporary work

    Dynomax Inc.

    Wheeling, IL
    16 days ago
  •  ...a comprehensive safety assessment for early drug development programs. Responsibilities Provide scientific expertise to scientific staff of other departments as a member of cross-functional teams. In cooperation with the Toxicology Department, design, direct, and evaluate... 
    Senior
    Local area

    BioSpace

    North Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  .... Follow @abbvie on  LinkedIn,   Facebook ,  Instagram ,  X and  YouTube. Job Description The Operations Quality Senior Systems Engineer will investigate, identify, and implement state-of-the-art technology platforms, focusing on Quality Management Systems (QMS... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Local area

    AbbVie Inc.

    North Chicago, IL
    a month ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer. Be the first to apply!