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 The Software Developer co-op will work with our local IT staff and corporate application development team, and will be responsible for assisting with the development, testing, deployment, and quality assurance of various business applications. In this role, you will work on requirements gathering, data mapping and conversion, custom coding, and testing. This position will be for Summer 2026 semesters. Principle Accountabilities: Work with development staff to assist with the building and testing of application programs. Coding, quality assurance, testing, report writing. Basic Qualifications: A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required. Must be a permanent U.S. resident, requiring no sponsorship. The successful candidate currently attending a participating University (Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi, Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of South Alabama, University of Maine, University of North Carolina State, University of Miami Ohio, Georgia Tech) in their sophomore year pursing a degree in Computer Science/ CIS or equivalent program Certifications are a plus. CompTIAs A+, Network+, or Security+ are preferred. Experience using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Project, and AutoCAD. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in programming and web development, especially working with Microsoft .NET framework, VB.NET/C#, ASP.NET, CSS, and javascript Experience with MS SQL Server, MS Visual Studio, MS Office, and MS Report Builder The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to be able 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. Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvement while maintaining maximum levels of safety. Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities. Strong planning and follow up skills. Excellent people and process management skills. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Starting salary range for position:
At PCA, we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.
So a partnership with PCA isn’t just about buying boxes. It’s about building a relationship with a knowledgeable, trusted, committed source; adding value to your business; and actively contributing to your success in the marketplace.
Whether you are looking for conventional shipping containers, custom-printed corrugated boxes, custom packaging or eye-catching retail visual displays, PCA is here to deliver the right packaging solution on time and on budget.
At PCA, our people are as sharp at posing questions as they are at providing answers. With good reason… We realize that the key to offering responsive customer service is never taking our customers for granted. That’s why at the same time you’re learning about our products and how we do business, we’re learning about yours.
So don’t be surprised if PCA people collaborate more than you’re used to, or engage you in conversations that go beyond flute profiles and stacking strength. For PCA people, it’s all about understanding customer service — doing our very best to give you the ideas and products that support your needs.