Packaging Corporation of America has an immediate opening at its Technical Development Center (Mundelein, Ill., USA) for a self-motivated and proactive individual excited about the technical and scientific aspects of paper performance and corrugated packaging.

 

The Technician position (initial contract, 6 month+ term) supports a materials and package testing and optimization team, providing information to address customer support requests, develop fundamental product knowledge, improve product performance, and increase customer satisfaction. The Contractor will work with others in the lab in Mundelein, Ill., (located in the NW suburbs of Chicago) to provide accurate, credible, and timely results from materials assessments. This opportunity focuses specifically on paper testing in support of key programs within the company, including our Vendor

 

Producing high quality, accurate test data requires hard work, dedication, focus, and attention to detail. An ability to stay focused on individual activities while managing multiple projects is a must. Individuals should be able to work independently as well as collaborate on group projects, while maintaining the high energy and focus needed in a testing facility with world-class response times. The Contractor will be expected to: 

1. Proficiently use testing equipment for paper and materials evaluation. Use good lab practices to support quality systems and to maintain the accuracy and functionality of lab equipment and data collection systems.
2. Work with our senior staff to contribute meaningfully to our paper evaluation programs with accurate characterizations of material. Generate results that can be relied upon as a solid foundation for decisions with significant financial impact.
3. Using paper engineering and mechanics principles, help develop guidance on the relationship between paper properties, and on the connection between those properties and combined board performance.
4. Provide accurate, clear, and effective analysis, evaluation, and communication of testing results to internal and external customers.

Communicating clearly with customers is a vital part of our role; strong written communication skills and the ability to be clearly and broadly understood both in person and on the phone is essential. Other position requirements include: 

1. An associate or bachelor’s degree in any of the physical sciences, paper sciences, engineering, packaging, or forest products. A degree involving experience in paper testing is strongly preferred.
2. At least two years’ prior experience testing paper, packaging, and/or corrugated products, including a familiarity with TAPPI testing protocols. TAPPI membership and prior involvement with TAPPI is a strong plus.
3. Strong familiarity with standard Microsoft programs (Word, Excel). An understanding of statistics and test method design is a plus.
4. Ability and willingness to safely use appropriate test equipment, power tools, and materials handling equipment. Ability and willingness to travel to manufacturing sites (infrequently) by appropriate modes.

About Packaging Corporation of America:

Packaging Corporation of America, headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., is an integrated converter of corrugated packaging and the 4th largest corrugated supplier in the US. PCA brings new and innovative solutions to its customers through a network of roughly 94 converting plants supported by six containberboard mills, several corporate design centers, and a central technical development center.

 

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