Process Manager- Extrusion Blow Molding

CKS Packaging, Inc; Union City (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CKS Packaging, Inc. is seeking an experienced Plastics Process Manager to lead and optimize Bekum extrusion blow molding on the production floor. You will set up, troubleshoot, and refine processes for quality, speed, and material efficiency while guiding hands‑on technical teams.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in plastics processing, deep Bekum knowledge, and a track record of reducing scrap and cycle times. You will drive standardization and improve process controls across shifts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing or plastics processing.
• Strong experience with Bekum extrusion blow molding machines.
• Proven experience with blow molding process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of plastics processing principles, machine operation, tooling, materials, and process controls.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex processing and production problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the processing of products manufactured on Bekum extrusion blow molding machines.
• Establish, maintain, and optimize machine processing parameters for existing and new products.
• Develop standardized setup and processing procedures for Bekum equipment.
• Optimize temperatures, speed, parison programming, blow pressure, cycle times, and material usage.
• Ensure machines are operating within established process windows.
• Identify and eliminate process variation between machines and shifts.
• Maintain accurate process sheets and machine setup documentation.
• Develop and optimize parison programming to achieve proper wall thickness distribution and part performance.
• Troubleshoot parison sag, pinch‑off issues, uneven wall thickness, flash, trimming problems, and material distribution issues.
• Optimize extrusion rates and die head settings for product requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce material usage while maintaining product specifications.
• Troubleshoot issues involving resin, regrind, melt temperature, moisture, contamination, and material consistency.
• Establish repeatable processing conditions for different resins and product designs.
• Support mold installations, changeovers, and process validations.
• Troubleshoot flash, pinch off defects, short shots, wall thickness issues, dimension variations, cooling and trimming issues.
• Establish efficient and repeatable mold change and startup procedures.

Skills

Bekum extrusion blow molding

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Hands-on leadership

Blow molding knowledge

Job description

(Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly/salary estimates may not be accurate as they are not provided by CKS.)

CKS Packaging is currently looking for an experienced Plastics Process Manager with strong hands‑on experience operating, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing Bekum extrusion blow molding equipment.

This position will be responsible for leading the technical processing function within the plant for our Bekum machines, ensuring that blow molding processes are optimized for quality, productivity, cycle time, scrap reduction, and machine efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of Bekum blow molding machines, extrusion processes, parison programming, mold and tooling optimization, material processing, and process troubleshooting.

We are currently looking for someone who will be comfortable working directly on the production floor and and providing hands‑on technical leadership.

What’s In it for You?

• Stable, growing organization with opportunity for future advancement of qualified candidates
• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits at modest employee contributions
• Discretionary Bonus
• 401k participation with Company matching contributions upon completion of first 30 days of service

Responsibilities

Lead the processing of products manufactured on Bekum extrusion blow molding machines

Establish, maintain, and optimize machine processing parameters for existing and new products

Develop standardized setup and processing procedures for Bekum equipment

Optimize temperatures, speed, parison programming, blow pressure, cycle times, and material usage

Ensure machines are operating within established process windows

Identify and eliminate process variation between machines and shifts

Maintain accurate process sheets and machine setup documentation

Develop and optimize parison programming to achieve proper wall thickness distribution and part performance

Troubleshoot parison sag, pinch‑off issues, uneven wall thickness, flash, trimming problems, and material distribution issues

Optimize extrusion rates and die/head settings for product requirements

Identify opportunities to reduce material usage while maintaining product specifications

Troubleshoot issues involving resin, regrind, melt temperature, moisture, contamination, and material consistency

Establish repeatable processing conditions for different resins and product designs

Support mold installations, changeovers, and process validations

Troubleshoot flash, pinch off defects, short shots, wall thickness issues, dimension variations, cooling and trimming issues

Establish efficient and repeatable mold change and startup procedures

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing or plastics processing

Strong experience with Bekum extrusion blow molding machines

Proven experience with blow molding process optimization and troubleshooting

Strong knowledge of plastics processing principles, machine operation, tooling, materials, and process controls

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex processing and production problems

Experience establishing and optimizing machine processing parameters

Experience with scrap reduction, cycle‑time improvement, and production efficiency initiatives

Ability to read and interpret technical documents, process specifications, and production data

Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment