Mechanical Engineering Co-op Riverville Mill

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

We are seeking resumes for Mechanical Engineering Co-ops (Multiple Openings for Spring 2026) at our Gladstone, VA. Paper Mill.

• Provide process optimization and engineering support for the mill, including but not limited to compliance process coordination, lean projects, quality and product safety, and analytical and systems support.
• Develop and maintain methods for tracking and reducing operational costs.
• Coordinate the efforts of outside resources to improve operations by filtering and utilizing appropriate information.
• Conduct data analysis projects and use data to make business decisions.
• Assignments may include some work at higher levels for training and development purposes.
• Candidates should have knowledge of pulp & paper making, waste-water treatment, and recovery operations; interest/aptitude in controls.

• Must be a student in good standing with the University, currently enrolled majoring in Mechanical or an equivalent applicable engineering program.
• Will have either completed the Freshman year or will have completed the Freshman year when co-op begins and express interest in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing as a career.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required.
• Must pass a drug screen and be eligible to work in the US full-time.

• Ability to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and computer skills.
• Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving, ambiguity, and change.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.

PCA provides a competitive, comprehensive benefits package.

• Salary Range: $30.00 hr. Seniors
• $29.00 hr. Juniors
• $27.00 hr. Sophomores
• $25.00 hr. Freshmen
• $1000.00 Monthly Housing Stipend
• 1.5 pay over 40 hours in a week
• Reimbursement of Relocation to and from co-op assignment
• Medical Insurance if eligible
• 401k with company matching
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Educational Assistance Program
• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All qualified applicants must apply at  to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.