Mechanical Engineer

Silgan Plastics Corporation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Plastics Corporation in Kentucky is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support design, installation, and startup of manufacturing equipment. You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Project teams to drive safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and 0–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. Proficiency with AutoCAD, PLCs, and continuous improvement methods is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering; manufacturing experience preferred.
• 0–5 years of mechanical design, equipment installation, startup, or project engineering.
• Experience reading hydraulic and pneumatic schematics; strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support for new and existing manufacturing projects and automation initiatives.
• Design, improve, and commission equipment layouts; oversee startup and commissioning.
• Develop project scopes, manage engineering projects, and support workflow optimization.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to drive process improvements and reduce scrap.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Project management

hydraulic/pneumatic schematics

Excel

Word

Manufacturing processes

Continuous improvement

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley controls

PLC logic

AutoCAD

Brady Link360

ROI analysis

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Promote safety and work safely throughout the facility to prevent injuries to self and co‑workers by identifying and addressing unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Adhere to all Silgan Safety Policies & Standards, Silgan Plastics No Tolerance Policy, Product Defense‑Security requirements, GMP guidelines, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Read, understand, and comply with all Safety Rules outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and GMP‑required gear.
• Contribute to the plant's Product Safety Culture through compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, efficiency, waste reduction, and operational performance.
• Provide mechanical engineering support for new and existing business projects, automation initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and cost‑reduction efforts.
• Develop project scopes, manage engineering projects, and support workflow optimization efforts.
• Assist with the design, improvement, fabrication, installation, and startup of manufacturing and auxiliary equipment.
• Support preventive maintenance development and equipment reliability improvements.
• Create equipment documentation, technical procedures, and training materials.
• Develop and maintain Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Assist with new equipment specifications, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Design equipment layouts and production line improvements.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors for repairs, installations, and project execution.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, including OEE and FTQY, and investigate opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Set‑Up Technicians, Supervisors, and Operators to drive process improvements and reduce scrap.
• Communicate engineering changes and project updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 0–5 years of mechanical design, equipment installation, startup, or project engineering. Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills; mechanical troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities; ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work effectively; ability to read and interpret hydraulic and pneumatic schematics; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies; ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Certifications: None required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of engineering experience in plastics manufacturing or a related manufacturing environment; experience with automation and material handling systems; experience supporting blow molding or packaging equipment.
• Skills: Knowledge of Allen‑Bradley controls and PLC logic; AutoCAD experience; Brady Link360 experience; strong project management capabilities; experience with ROI analysis and capital project justification; demonstrated ability to train and influence team members; preventive maintenance and equipment reliability experience.
• Certifications: Project Management certification preferred; Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Work Conditions

• Location: In Office.
• Work Hours: TBD.
• Travel Requirements: TBD.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a manufacturing environment; ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb as necessary; ability to safely access production equipment and elevated platforms; ability to wear required PPE; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER (Non‑Canada)

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at‑will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER – Canada

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Silgan endeavors to provide accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform their essential job duties as long as the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the company’s operations and does not pose a direct threat of substantial harm to the employee or others. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Employment is always subject to the Silgan’s rights as employer, including the right to end employment in accordance with Provincial Law. Silgan is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to any ground protected under Provincial human rights laws. Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

Other Information

This page is specific to Silgan Containers, Silgan Closures, Silgan Plastics, Silgan Plastics Food Containers and Silgan Specialty packaging. If you are interested in exploring opportunities with our Silgan Dispensing division, please click here.