Process Engineer - Plastics Blow Molding

Greif, Inc.; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Short-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Greif, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer in Alsip, IL to lead process improvements across multiple manufacturing locations, focusing on safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance in plastics blow molding. Travel to support facilities in Alsip, IL, Baytown, TX, and Lavonia, GA will be necessary.

The role requires 5+ years in blow molding, PLC/industrial controls experience, and strong problem-solving skills. Relocation assistance is considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of direct plastic blow molding experience.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and optimizing blow molding processes and process parameters.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial controls.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to support multiple locations (Alsip, IL; Baytown, TX; Lavonia, GA).

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve productivity, labor efficiency, quality, and manufacturing performance.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), A3 problem-solving, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct process trials, analyze results, and implement improvements to reduce variability, scrap, and operating costs.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and equipment using root cause analysis and data-driven problem-solving techniques.
• Develop, establish, and maintain optimal process parameters to support product quality and performance requirements.
• Create, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Conditions (SOC) and process controls for key production equipment.
• Collaborate with Reliability, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to improve equipment performance and process stability.
• Support equipment upgrades, repairs, and replacement projects by developing specifications and evaluating equipment performance.
• Assist with PLC-related troubleshooting, controls improvements, and process automation initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs for operators, technicians, supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
• Establish and support Critical Process Equipment (CPE) programs to improve process reliability and equipment performance.
• Partner with Quality and Reliability teams to implement process control systems and quality verification standards.
• Support product certifications by ensuring manufacturing processes consistently meet established requirements.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and standardized processes across facilities to drive operational consistency.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering on prototypes, testing, product trials, and new product development activities.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, process records, and production performance reports.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as needed to support process improvement initiatives, training, and troubleshooting activities.

Job description

Job Requisition #: 033091

Process Engineer - Plastics Blow Molding (Open)

Location: Alsip, Illinois (Preferred) - Relocation Assistance Considered Travel: Regular travel required to support IBC facilities in Alsip, IL, Baytown, TX and Lavonia, GA

What You'll Do

As a Process Engineer, you will lead process improvement efforts, support plant operations, and provide technical expertise to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance across multiple manufacturing locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve productivity, labor efficiency, quality, and manufacturing performance.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), A3 problem-solving, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct process trials, analyze results, and implement improvements to reduce variability, scrap, and operating costs.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and equipment using root cause analysis and data-driven problem-solving techniques.
• Develop, establish, and maintain optimal process parameters to support product quality and performance requirements.
• Create, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Conditions (SOC) and process controls for key production equipment.
• Collaborate with Reliability, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to improve equipment performance and process stability.
• Support equipment upgrades, repairs, and replacement projects by developing specifications and evaluating equipment performance.
• Assist with PLC-related troubleshooting, controls improvements, and process automation initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs for operators, technicians, supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
• Establish and support Critical Process Equipment (CPE) programs to improve process reliability and equipment performance.
• Partner with Quality and Reliability teams to implement process control systems and quality verification standards.
• Support product certifications by ensuring manufacturing processes consistently meet established requirements.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and standardized processes across facilities to drive operational consistency.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering on prototypes, testing, product trials, and new product development activities.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, process records, and production performance reports.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as needed to support process improvement initiatives, training, and troubleshooting activities.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of 5 years of direct plastic blow molding experience.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and optimizing blow molding processes and process parameters.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial controls.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to support multiple manufacturing locations in Alsip, IL, Baytown, TX, and Lavonia, GA as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in industrial packaging, plastics manufacturing, or a related process manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading multi-site process improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience supporting quality certifications and process validation activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of plastic materials, blow molding processes, and manufacturing operations. Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems. Ability to troubleshoot equipment, process performance issues, and manufacturing variability. Demonstrated success improving cycle times, reducing scrap, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause investigation skills. Ability to document procedures, process standards, and technical work instructions. Excellent communication and training skills with the ability to influence teams across multiple facilities. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a critical role in improving manufacturing performance across Greif's IBC network. By optimizing processes, developing operational standards, supporting technical teams, and driving continuous improvement, the Process Engineer directly contributes to safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.

Why Greif

At Greif, your work supports essential products and customers around the world. We are a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and developing our people. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a visible impact across multiple manufacturing operations while advancing engineering excellence.

Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is $103,900.00 - $176,800.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between135,000.00 to160,000.00 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

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 We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other any other legally protected characteristic. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

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.

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.