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Paper Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

International Paper

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Display Engineering & Prototyping: Develop structural designs for a variety of merchandising ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

International Paper

Electrician

Northlake, IL

$49.83/hr

Troubleshoot programmable controllers and A/C and D/C drives. * Make necessary repairs to drive and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

pca

Senior Staff Engineer

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

As a Senior Staff Engineer at PCA, you'll play a critical role in driving projects that shape the future of our manufacturing plants and paper mills. This is a hands-on position where you'll work ...

pca

Staff Engineer II

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

Staff Engineer II - Innovate, Lead, and Drive Operational Excellence As a Staff Engineer II , you ... With three dynamic business units--Containerboard, White Paper, and Corrugated Plants--we produce ...

International Paper Company

Electrician

Northlake, IL · On-site

$49.83/hr

Troubleshoot programmable controllers and A/C and D/C drives. * Make necessary repairs to drive and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Munich Re

Account Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

At HSB, our engineering teams support the insurance and advancement of equipment and technology. We ... These include, for example: power generation, steel, aluminum, mining, pulp & paper, sugar, or ...

CDM Smith

Structural Engineer 6

Chicago, IL · On-site

Submits technical papers and designs for publishing to technical journals. * Collaborates with ... Expert Knowledge of engineer principles of design. * Expert Knowledge of Microsoft business ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPaper Engineer JobsPaper Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Paper Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$17.6K

$70.8K

$143K

How much do paper engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for paper engineer in Illinois is $70,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,221.00 and $96,522.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a paper engineer might face when collaborating with designers and manufacturers?

Paper Engineers often work closely with graphic designers and manufacturers to turn creative concepts into functional paper structures, such as pop-up books or packaging. A common challenge is bridging the gap between artistic vision and the technical limitations of paper, such as weight, foldability, and durability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure that designs are both visually compelling and structurally sound, all while staying within budget and production timelines. Collaboration also frequently involves adapting to changes or troubleshooting prototypes, making flexibility and attention to detail important assets in this role.

What is a paper engineer?

Paper engineers are professionals who design and create structures, mechanisms, and products using paper and cardboard. They are best known for developing pop-up books, greeting cards, packaging, and other intricate paper-based items that require engineering skills to ensure functionality and durability. Paper engineers combine creativity with technical knowledge of materials, folds, and mechanisms to turn flat sheets of paper into three-dimensional, interactive works.

What is the difference between Paper Engineer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPaper EngineerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDesign or engineering degree, specialized knowledge in paper and packagingDesign degree, portfolio, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, packaging companies, manufacturing settingsAdvertising agencies, media companies, freelance or corporate offices
Industry UsagePackaging, product design, paper artsAdvertising, branding, digital media

While both Paper Engineers and Graphic Designers work creatively, Paper Engineers focus on designing innovative paper-based structures and packaging, often requiring engineering knowledge. Graphic Designers primarily create visual content for branding and marketing. The roles overlap in creative problem-solving but differ in technical focus and industry applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paper engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paper Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, material science, and papermaking processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, paper testing equipment, and manufacturing process control systems is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for designing innovative paper products and optimizing production. These skills ensure efficient production, high-quality products, and the ability to meet evolving industry demands.

How much does a paper engineer make?

A paper engineer typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work in manufacturing or design environments, requiring skills in materials and structural design.
What are the most commonly searched types of Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Paper Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Paper Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Paper Engineer job openings:
Paper Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,761 per year, or $34 per hour.

Structural Designer

International Paper Company

Aurora, IL • On-site

$78K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

International Paper rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 292 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description


Position Title:
Structural Designer
Pay Rate:
$78,100 - $86,800 (USCORE)
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range. Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP's annual incentive plan.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Physical Location:
Aurora Commitment Center
Aurora, IL 60504
The Job You Will Perform:
  • Design corrugated retail displays, packaging, and merchandising solutions using Artios CAD design software.
  • Develop innovative structural designs that meet customer expectations, product protection, retail compliance, and supply chain requirements.
  • Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and approval.
  • Optimize designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, transportation, and cost performance.
  • Partner with Sales, Account Managers, and Customers to understand project objectives and design requirements.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and business priorities.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve design performance, manufacturing efficiency, and customer value.
  • Stay informed on emerging retail display trends, packaging technologies, materials, and sustainability initiatives.

The Skills You Will Bring:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of structural packaging and/or retail display design experience.
  • Experience designing corrugated packaging, retail displays, POP/POS merchandising solutions, or related products. Basic knowledge of retailer specifications
  • Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, TOPs or CAPE, and familiarity with ISTA testing and procedures.
  • Strong understanding of corrugated manufacturing processes and converting capabilities.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES
  • Customer Focus
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Technical Expertise
  • Project Management
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Attention to Detail
  • Continuous Improvement Mindset
  • Effective Communication

About Us
The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.
International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.

What International Paper employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898

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