Job Description

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.

People • Customers • Trust

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven, hands-on Machine Operator with strong manufacturing experience. This role is responsible for running high-speed production equipment, leading the machine crew, and owning safety, quality, and uptime on the line. The right candidate is self-motivated, mechanically strong, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate corrugated production equipment to maintain safe, efficient workflow
• Lead and coordinate machine crew during setups and changeovers
• Perform in-process quality checks to ensure correct dimensions and zero material defects
• Independently troubleshoot mechanical, quality, and process issues to minimize downtime
• Maintain required production, quality, and downtime reports
• Drive safety, housekeeping, and continuous improvement on the machine
• Communicate clearly with supervisors, maintenance, and team members
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 3 years of machine operator experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to lead or direct a machine crew in a high-speed environment
• Self-motivated with a strong drive for results and machine ownership
• Strong safety mindset and reliable attendance record
• Mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting ability
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively in a team setting
• Must be able work 2nd or 3rd shift, including overtime and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating corrugated printing or converting equipment
• Background in packaging or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Experience with fast changeovers and continuous improvement efforts

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
• Frequent bending, reaching, and working around moving equipment

What Success Looks Like

• Machine runs safely and consistently at target speeds
• Changeovers completed efficiently with minimal downtime
• Quality defects kept to a minimum
• Crew works in sync and communicates well
• Strong ownership of machine performance and work area

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary for position: $27.42 per hour.
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon achievement of plant performance metrics.
• Paid Vacation: 2 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.