About the role#
The Plant Optimization Engineer Internship at Packaging Corporation of America provides hands-on technical experience within the production and maintenance departments of our box plants. You will work alongside engineers, maintenance staff, consultants, contractors, and vendors to support plant operations. Each intern is paired with a mentor to guide their professional development throughout the summer.
What you'll do#
- Organize, implement, and assist with process improvements and capital projects.
- Troubleshoot operational problems and perform root cause analysis.
- Recommend solutions to improve equipment, facility, and plant operations.
- Present your internship experience to management at the end of the program.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering degree program.
- Completion of 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#
- This position is located in Plano, Texas.
- This is an on-site, full-time internship for Summer 2027.
- The role is a paid 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
Applying early to Packaging Corporation of America gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review initial submissions before the volume of applicants becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can submit your materials among the first. You will avoid the frustration of applying to a role that has already been filled by someone who beat you to the portal. Reaching out to the right person at Packaging Corporation of America often yields better results than a standard application. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach materially improves your response rates compared to waiting for a system update.


