Operations Engineer

Graham Packaging; United States; On-site; USD 94,600 - 141,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Employee Savings Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable packaging is seeking an Operations Engineer to join their Food & Beverage Engineering Department. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with blow and injection molding and be responsible for leading engineering projects, supporting manufacturing reliability, and mentoring junior engineers. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $94,600–141,900, along with comprehensive benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing, preferably in plastics.
• Expert level knowledge of rigid packaging is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple engineering and improvement projects.
• Support manufacturing sites with reliability and performance improvements.
• Define and execute technical manufacturing projects.
• Evaluate and validate blow and injection molding systems.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Support technical innovation projects and provide feedback.

Skills

Hands-on experience with blow and injection molding

Proficiency in AutoCAD and modeling software

Technical writing and project management

Cross-functional communication

Experience managing capital projects

Six Sigma or equivalent certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Power BI

Minitab

Job description

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.

At Graham, we are united by a clear vision, encouraging continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration. We value our employees and foster a blue culture of accountability, respect and growth.

We are seeking an Operations Engineer to join our Food & Beverage Engineering Department. The role requires hands‑on experience with blow and injection molding, plastics manufacturing equipment, and supporting systems.

Seniority and Employment

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job functions: Engineering and Manufacturing. Industries: Plastics Manufacturing and Plastics and Rubber Product Manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple engineering and improvement projects.
• Support manufacturing sites and the technical network with reliability and performance improvements.
• Define and execute technical manufacturing projects, including requirements assessment, specification alignment, and system performance evaluation.
• Evaluate and validate blow and injection molding systems and testing methods.
• Drive standardization in equipment configuration, commissioning, training, auditing, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving.
• Own processes for equipment setup, validation, commissioning, and implementation of engineering advisories.
• Provide on‑site and remote technical support for systems and machinery.
• Apply structured problem‑solving methods (A3, 8D, SMED, Autonomous Maintenance).
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, serving as a subject matter expert in critical manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support technical innovation projects and provide feedback for future equipment development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers.
• Travel on average 75 % (domestic and international).
• Expert level knowledge of rigid packaging (POLY or PET disciplines preferred).
• Proven ability to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Proficiency in functional requirements analysis and supplier performance criteria.
• Experience with electromechanical systems, geometric dimensioning, tolerance, and stack‑up analysis.
• Skilled in technical writing, project management, and cross‑functional communication.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, modeling software, and PC‑based applications (Microsoft Project, Power BI, Minitab).
• Six Sigma or equivalent problem‑solving certification preferred.
• Experience managing capital projects over $100 k.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing; plastics industry experience strongly preferred.

The standard compensation for this role is $94,600 – 141,900. Salary offers will be determined based on final candidate qualifications, experience, skillset, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) Employee Savings Plan and Employee Wellness Program.
• Paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.

Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.