2027 Process Engineer Trainee

Greif, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 71,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Competitive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Greif, Inc. in Cincinnati offers a structured Process Engineer Trainee Program designed to develop early-career engineers through hands-on rotation across manufacturing operations.

You will analyze processes, optimize performance, improve product quality, and mentor junior engineers. The program seeks graduates with mechanical, chemical, industrial, or related engineering degrees, 0–3 years of experience, and the willingness to work on-site in Cincinnati, with domestic travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related engineering.
• 0–3 years of engineering/manufacturing experience.
• Willingness to work on-site in Cincinnati and travel domestically.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on cross-functional engineering projects to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Support initiatives involving electrical power and control systems to improve processes.
• Conduct process optimization trials, analyze data, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and deliver monthly quality and production reports.
• Assist with installation, troubleshooting, and repair of production equipment.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Industrial instrumentation

Electrical systems

Lean manufacturing

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Independent work

CAD

Excel

Reporting tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related engineering

Tools

CAD

Excel

Reporting tools

Job description

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn. OUR VISION: To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win. OUR PURPOSE: Creating packaging solutions for life's essentials. Job Requisition #: 035367 2027 Process Engineer Trainee (Open) Job Description: Ready to make an impact in manufacturing excellence? Join a dynamic environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence drive success. This role offers the opportunity to apply engineering expertise to optimize processes, improve product quality, and enhance equipment reliability. Proud recipient of the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, Greif is committed to sustainability and to developing future leaders who drive our success. Our journey to becoming the best-performing customer service company is powered by people, purpose, and strong leadership. If you are ready to build a career that grows with you, you have come to the right place.

About the Process Engineer Trainee Program

The Greif Management Trainee Program is a structured, hands-on rotational experience designed to prepare early career talent for future roles across the organization. This role is aligned to Greif's Sustainable Fiber Solutions business unit, where the Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations by analyzing, improving, and sustaining production processes. This role works cross-functionally to identify opportunities for optimization, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

What You Will Have the Opportunity to Do

• Collaborate on specialized and cross-functional engineering projects to support manufacturing operations
• Support initiatives involving electrical power and control systems to improve existing or develop new processes
• Conduct process optimization trials, analyze data, and provide actionable recommendations
• Prepare and deliver monthly quality and production reports to support operational decision-making
• Assist with installation, troubleshooting, and repair of production equipment
• Perform machine breakdown analysis, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions
• Lead and support chemical trials, including analysis and process recommendations
• Analyze tooling failures and evaluate tooling requirements and performance characteristics
• Support or coordinate operational diagnostics to assess process and equipment performance
• Provide technical expertise to improve reliability, efficiency, and process stability
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced engineering team members
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Lean manufacturing principles
• Perform other duties as needed to support business objectives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Paper Science or a closely related engineering or technical discipline
• Recent graduates or early-career professionals with 0-3 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or operations environments
• Willingness and ability to work in plant-based / manufacturing settings
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements
• Ability to work full-time, on-site in Cincinnati for the duration of the program
• Flexibility to travel domestically as business needs require

Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of industrial instrumentation, electrical systems, and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions
• Proven ability to manage projects and prioritize multiple initiatives
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and under general supervision
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Proficiency in relevant tools such as CAD and standard business software (e.g., Excel, reporting tools)

Compensation Range: The pay range for this position is $71,000.00 - $121,000.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between80,000.00 to80,000.00 annually. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short-term incentive.

Benefits Statement

Benefits Statement: Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive core benefits, paid time off, and a range of local benefits for eligible colleagues.

EEO Statement

EEO Statement: https://www.greif.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HR-101-Equal-Employment-Opportunity-Policy-English.pdf

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.