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Paper Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

International Paper Company

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

International Paper

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 Company

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$78K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Packaging Corporation of America

Staff Engineer II

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer ... People • Customers • Trust Staff Engineer II - Innovate, Lead, and Drive Operational Excellence ...

International Paper

Electrician

Northlake, IL · On-site

$49.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

International Paper (Illinois)

Electrician

Melrose Park, IL

$48.38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot programmable controllers and A/C and D/C drives. * Make necessary repairs to drive and ... International Paper wants you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, and experiences to be ...

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 (Illinois)

Electrician

Northlake, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot programmable controllers and A/C and D/C drives. * Make necessary repairs to drive and ... International Paper wants you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, and experiences to be ...

International Paper Company

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 Company

Electrician

Northlake, IL · On-site

$49.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Novolex

Sr. Engineer - Film

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Engineering Center of Excellence Lead is responsible for developing and leading a team of ... Experience supporting packaging, plastics, extrusion, thermoforming, molded fiber, paper, and/or ...

Novolex

Sr. Engineer - Film

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Engineering Center of Excellence Lead is responsible for developing and leading a team of ... Experience supporting packaging, plastics, extrusion, thermoforming, molded fiber, paper, and/or ...

Novolex

Sr. Engineer - Film

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Engineering Center of Excellence Lead is responsible for developing and leading a team of ... Experience supporting packaging, plastics, extrusion, thermoforming, molded fiber, paper, and/or ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPaper Engineer JobsPaper Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Paper Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.5K

$82.8K

$167.3K

How much do paper engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for paper engineer in Chicago, IL is $82,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,030.00 and $112,906.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Paper Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,772 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Structural Designer

International Paper Company

Aurora, IL • On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

International Paper rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 292 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description


Structural Designer I - Retail Display & Packaging
Position Summary
International Paper is seeking a talented and detail-oriented entry-level Structural Designer to join our Retail Display & Packaging team at the Aurora Customer Commitment Center. This role is responsible for supporting and working under the guidance of the Creative Services Manager, Lead and Senior Designers, and Account Managers. This role assists with the development of display and packaging prototypes, documentation, palletization, and preparing for ISTA testing.
This position has an anticipated salary range of $57,200 - $76,300 annually, based on qualifications, experience, and business needs
This position offers an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals to develop technical expertise, gain exposure to retail design and construction processes, and grow within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Design & Documentation
  • Assist in the design of corrugated retail displays, packaging, and merchandising solutions using CAD design software.
  • Assist in developing innovative structural concepts that meet customer branding, product protection, retail compliance, and supply chain requirements.
  • Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and approval.
  • Assist in optimizing designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, transportation, and cost performance.
  • Help ensure designs meet quality, safety, and retailer requirements
  • Participate in project meetings and document action items as required.
  • Review drawings for accuracy, quality, and adherence to company standards.
  • Help maintain project files and ensure documentation is organized and up to date.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering, Packaging Science or Industrial Design, or related degree
  • Recent graduates encouraged to apply.

Experience
  • 0 to 2 years of relevant design packaging, display or engineering experience.
  • Internship or cooperative education experience in relevant industry.
  • Basic knowledge in ArtiosCAD, TOPS or CAPE
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Basic knowledge of corrugated materials and industry standards including ISTA testing.

Preferred
  • Knowledge of retailer display requirements and merchandising standards.
  • Familiarity with ISTA testing standards and package performance testing.
  • Experience with 3D visualization and prototyping technologies.
  • Knowledge of sustainable packaging principles and material optimization.

Professional Skills
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
  • Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and develop professionally.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.

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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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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