Process Engineer

Silgan Plastics Corporation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Plastics Corporation seeks a Process Engineer – Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM) to support multiple plants with expertise in blow molding technology. You will lead process development, perform FATs, and train plant teams on safety, operation, and troubleshooting across sites in Ottawa (OH), Woodbridge (ON), Franklin (KY), and Houston (TX).

You will read part drawings, assess bottle specifications, and partner with vendors to ensure proper training materials and manuals.

Qualifications

• Experience with plastics processing and extrusion blow molding.
• Ability to read part drawings and specs to identify critical features.
• Willingness to train teams and travel to multiple plants.
• Experience with readings and measurements using calipers and precision test tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist operations and commercial teams by applying plastics processing knowledge to evaluate new business opportunities on Silgan blow technology machines.
• Conduct blow machine FATs to approve safe, quality equipment for new business opportunities and determine go/no-go for shipments.
• Support product development and mold vendor evaluations for competitive bids.
• Read product drawings and specs to identify critical features for function and performance.
• Train operations and engineering on shuttle machine safety, operation, setup and troubleshooting.

Skills

Plastics processing

Drawings interpretation

Safety improvements

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Team training

Vendor coordination

Travel 30-50%

Data analysis

Tools

Calipers

Optical comparator

Magna-Mike

Top load tester

Job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Process Engineer – Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM) role is a key resource in the organization to support the Silgan Plastic Operation sites with technical knowledge to launch new products and continuous improvement projects supporting safety, quality, and operation in each facility.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist operations, engineering, and commercial team by applying plastics processing knowledge to evaluate new business opportunities on existing Silgan blow technology machines.
• Perform blow machine factory acceptance tests (FATs) to approve safe, quality, and in spec equipment for new business opportunities. Determine success criteria based on bottle specifications and operational performance requirements and go/no go for machine shipments to plants.
• Work with Product Development Engineers to support unit or full set process development for molds and annual evaluation of mold vendors for competitive bid process.
• Able to read and understand product part drawings (bottle, closure, etc.) and specifications to understand what features are critical to part function and performance.
• Train Silgan Plastics operations and engineering team members on shuttle machine safety, operation, set-up and troubleshooting. Work with department manager to evaluate skillset gaps across the company and training required to close gaps.
• Travel to operation facilities to assist with setup and support of new & continuous improvement process development and production startup.
• Work with EBM equipment vendors to ensure proper training materials, maintenance, and operations manuals are easy to understand and spend time at vendor’s manufacturing sites to train on their equipment to develop as internal expert resource for EBM technology.
• Able to work safely in an environment with industrial equipment and provide support on safety improvements to machine design, operation, and layout.
• Assist with machine changeovers and troubleshooting as required to support manufacturing operations.
• Able to use test equipment for basic bottle measurements scales, calipers, optical comparator, magna mike, top load tester, etc.
• Verify that the correct materials are being used and are properly prepared, review bill of material documents during new product set up.
• Support Product Development Engineers and plant on new product startups.
  • Target process parameters to develop process for new products.
  • Evaluate parts to determine if bottles meet specification requirements.
  • Use data (statistical methods) to determine the best process or quantify improvements.
  • Determine and document trials and the optimum process to meet product spec requirements.
• Assist in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting of blow machines and ancillary equipment including material handling and color prep and dosing. Address minor problems in the field and work with plant and service support for major issues.

LOCATIONS: Ottawa, OH, Woodbridge, ON, Franklin, KY, or Houston, TX

TRAVEL: 30% to 50% travel pending on project assignments and home plant location.

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. 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 We are a leading worldwide manufacturer of dispensing and specialty closures for food, beverage, health care, garden, home, personal care, fragrance and beauty products. We are also a leading manufacturer of metal containers in North America and Europe, and we are the largest manufacturer of metal food containers in North America with a unit volume market share in the United States in 2021 of slightly more than half of the market. Additionally, we are a leading manufacturer of custom designed plastic containers in North America for a variety of markets, including the personal care, food, health care and household and industrial chemical markets.