Process Engineer I

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer is responsible for analysis, planning and control of the mechanical and chemical processes at the mill. As a part of a continually improving plant, the Process Engineer is responsible for recommending design, operation, control and procedural improvements for a lower cost and higher quality end product.

PCA is the fourth largest manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging in the United States. PCA is an ideas and solutions company. We are a leader in helping our customer package, transport and display products of all kinds. PCA embodies a culture of continuous improvement and, as such, is dedicated to delivering a high quality and sustainable product via innovative energy management and responsible design. In 2014, our 6 containerboard plants ("Mills") produced 3.5 million tons of containerboard netting $4.5 billion in sales to third parties. Each of PCAs containerboard plants house a stock pulp machine, Fourdrinier machine, pressers, and myriad of other containerboard equipment. In general, PCA strives for a maximum response time in case of an emergency stoppage. The Process Engineer analyzes and plans the mechanical and chemical processes to improve mill profits and decrease the plants losses.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Improve the mill profit and loss statement by executing plans to design, conduct and evaluate trial work to advance the mill's economic situation by continually improving safety, environmental, cost, quality, yield, productivity or compliance operations
• Evaluate long-term compatibility of emerging technologies in the industry and make recommendations regarding equipment currently utilized as well as purchasing new equipment
• Investigate and solve production and process related problems by conducting studies, effluent treatment projects, and air quality studies, collecting data and conducting analysis to report back to manager with recommendations and conclusions
• Develops plans, specifications and reports for assigned trials
• Support peer engineers in conducting environmental, quality and productivity studies, analysis and process change.
• Support the mills optimization/process control sustainability and continual improvement efforts by participating in environmental, quality, and productivity trials and assignments
• Investigate methods to decrease waste, productivity, and supply costs which improving quality and throughput
• Work with senior engineers on complex assignments, assisting where necessary
• Track initial base lines of the projects/controls and report out on savings
• Communicate to staff how the actions of the Pulpmill/Power and Recovery departments controls impact customers
• Train crew and management in all phases of plant operations

Decision Making:

The Process Engineer is required to exercise discretion and creativity in determining best way optimize processes and addressing assignments. The Process Engineer is expected to drive performance of the team assigned to his/her project to meet goals. The Process Engineer is expected to take general directions and from those directions make decisions as to his/her approach to completing assigned projects and is expected determine how to operate and conduct assigned tasks within the established standards and procedures

Interactions with Customers and Contacts:

Internally, the Process Engineer interacts with manufacturing and support personnel to complete assigned work. Additionally, the Process Engineer is responsible for oversight and communication of pertinent improvement activities to manufacturing staff and management. Externally, the Process Engineer has a network of field and process experts and is expected to grow and maintain those company contacts. This position must also be able to develop contacts with new ideas/equipment and to be able to work with the mill and corporate staff to get those resources to the mill when needed.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering or Paper Science and/or Engineering.
• EIT certification or on EIT certification track preferred
• 2 years of work in a process engineering related role or equivalent. Paper mill experience or process knowledge preferred.
• Must have good troubleshooting skills and knowledge of digital and analog control systems.
• Ability to work with the required software for model based control applications.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to build and maintain positive relationships with team members.
• Good organizational skills, decision maker and results oriented.
• Ability to learn and develop Model Predictive Controls on all areas of responsibilities.
• Self-starter, willing to work with minimal supervision and input from those who explain the needed results.
• Ability to develop and train on processes and systems being put into place.
• Demonstrated effective facilitation, project execution, and follow-up and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated track record of independent project leadership and value creation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary range for position: $86,400 to 129,600 annually.
• 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.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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