ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Internship Paper Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

University of Florida

OPS Engineer

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$35.92 - $40.71/hr

Professional experience writing technical reports to include academic papers and general reports, collaborating with and mentoring junior engineers, graduate students, and undergraduate interns

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPaper Engineer JobsInternship Paper Engineer JobsInternship Paper Engineer Jobs in Florida

Internship Paper Engineer information

What is an internship paper engineer?

Internship Paper Engineers are students or recent graduates who work temporarily in the paper engineering field to gain practical experience. Their role typically involves assisting with the design, development, and testing of paper products, such as packaging materials, tissue, or specialty papers. They may work in laboratories or manufacturing facilities, supporting senior engineers in research, process optimization, and quality control. This internship provides valuable industry exposure, hands-on training, and networking opportunities to help prepare for a career in paper engineering.

What types of projects does an internship paper engineer work on?

As an Internship Paper Engineer, you'll typically be involved in hands-on projects such as developing prototypes, testing paper-based materials, and assisting with process optimization in manufacturing. These projects often require collaboration with senior engineers, designers, and production teams to solve real-world challenges and improve product performance. Your contributions directly support innovation, cost reduction, and sustainability initiatives within the organization. This experience provides valuable exposure to industry-standard processes and can significantly enhance your technical and teamwork skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an internship paper engineer?

To thrive as an Internship Paper Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering principles, often supported by progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory testing equipment, and paper manufacturing processes is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and solving process challenges. These abilities are essential for contributing to innovation, ensuring quality control, and supporting efficient production in the paper engineering industry.

What is the difference between Internship Paper Engineer vs Paper Engineer?

AspectInternship Paper EngineerPaper Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering or materials science programsBachelor's or higher in engineering, materials science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, often in manufacturing or R&D labsFull-time roles in paper manufacturing or product development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies during training or entry-level positionsFull-time professional roles in paper and packaging industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between an Internship Paper Engineer and a Paper Engineer lies in experience and employment status. Internships are temporary, educational positions designed for students or recent graduates gaining industry exposure. Full-time Paper Engineers have more experience and responsibilities in developing and optimizing paper products. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a career as a Paper Engineer, who typically holds a permanent role in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Paper Engineer jobs in Florida?

For Internship Paper Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Paper Engineer jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Paper Engineer jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Internship Paper Engineer jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Internship Paper Engineer job openings:

Internship Paper Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Paper Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Plant Optimization Engineer (Winter Haven, FL)

Packaging Corporation of America

Winter Haven, FL • On-site

$83K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

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
PCA is currently recruiting for a Plant Optimization Engineer based at the Winter Haven, FL corrugated box plant facility.
Description of role:
The Plant Optimization Engineer Position (POE) is a developmental program which focuses on hiring recent college graduates with degrees in engineering (0-2 years experience) into a rotational training experience with the goal of developing them into well-rounded employees and future leaders at PCA. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.
What is PCA's POE Program?
The POE Program is a 2-year rotational training program designed to give recent engineering graduates in depth, hands-on technical training in the Maintenance and Production departments of a corrugated box plant, and a well-rounded understanding of the corrugated packaging industry as a whole. In addition, POEs will complete engineering process optimization projects throughout the box plant, typically in areas of scrap reduction, throughput improvements, downtime reduction, etc., and will provide engineering support to all plant functions as needed.
Upon successful completion of the program, the Plant Optimization Engineer will transition into a new full-time role in the chosen career path either at their current plant, or another plant or paper mill that has an opening that aligns with their skills and interests.
Typical career paths for those who have completed the POE Program include box plant leadership/management positions in Production or Maintenance.
Principle Accountabilities:
  • Rotate through all departments at a corrugated plant, completing assigned learning objectives and technical training in each area.
  • Organize and implement moderate to large process improvements, problem elimination and capital/expense projects focusing on asset health and overall improved reliability.
  • Recommend and help drive, or implement innovative solutions to improve equipment, facility, and plant operations.
  • Attend and participate in POE program conferences and assigned off-site training.
  • Collaborate with other Plant Optimization Engineers, the plant leadership team, and machine and maintenance operators to complete projects.
  • Work with the POE Mentor/manager to conceptualize a career path to follow the POE program.
  • Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
  • Strive to continually strengthen PCA's business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA's Commitment to Service that involves doing what is right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Basic Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering is required prior to starting the position.
  • 0-2 years previous engineering experience, including internships and co-ops, providing technical support in a manufacturing plant or industrial environment.
  • Ability to work first, second, or third shift during the production department rotation as needed.
  • Must be self-driven and passionate about working in a hands-on, manufacturing environment.
  • Must be able to travel as necessary and possess valid documents for travel via air and car.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A minimum of one Internship or Co-op is preferred, especially in a manufacturing environment.
  • Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Paper Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology is preferred. Other engineering majors will be considered depending on experience.
  • Experience with programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as experience with manufacturing systems like shop floor software, maintenance work order systems, etc. is preferred.
  • Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Statistical Process Control (SPC) experience preferred.

The successful candidate MUST possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with production team and management.
  • Ability to learn quickly and put new knowledge into practice.
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals throughout the company on departmental procedures, policies, practices, and requests for information.
  • Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills. Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
  • Leadership experience or strong leadership skills with the drive to lead others.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experiences and professional levels both within and outside of the company.
  • Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Starting salary range for position: $83,000-$86,000.
  • Bonus: Annual - Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
  • 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
  • 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.

What Packaging Corporation Of America employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply