Product Development Engineer

Silgan Plastics Corporation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Plastics Corporation seeks a Project Engineer to lead product development initiatives for high-volume plastic containers. You will manage engineering projects, resolve technical issues, and align with pricing and quotations teams.

The role emphasizes adherence to SOPs, cross-functional communication, and strong plastics processing knowledge. The ideal candidate has hands-on plastics experience, solid project management, and the ability to handle multiple projects under tight timelines

Qualifications

• Must have technical degree; plastics processing or engineering preferred.
• Experience outside plastics may require a technical degree or significant coursework.

Responsibilities

• Manage Product Development Engineering Projects.
• Resolve project issues to maximize achievement of objectives.
• Promptly communicate issues to Engineering Manager for resolution.
• Support pricing with preliminary NPD evaluation information for quotations.
• Provide preliminary project classifications for quotations.
• Manage projects per SOPs: internal design reviews and project definition meetings for NPD.

Skills

Plastic materials knowledge

Container manufacturing platforms

Blow molding tooling design

Project management

Statistical tools

Time management

Plastics processing knowledge

Documentation

Verbal and written communication

Cross-level coordination

Customer relationships

Organization of multiple projects

Results-driven

Prioritization under pressure

Education

Technical degree (major)

Related plastics coursework or degree

Job description

Major Responsibilities

• Manage Product Development Engineering Projects
• Resolve Project related issues to maximize achieving project objectives.
• Communicate project related issues and problems where additional assistance is required promptly to Engineering Manager for resolution.
• Support Pricing with ‘preliminary’ NPD evaluation information for Quotations as directed by manager.
• Preliminary Project Classification assignments for Quotations.
• Manage projects in accordance with Project Management Standard Operating Procedures: Complete Internal Design Review Coordinate Project Definition Meeting for NPD Projects.
• Track Projects in compliance to minimum project system requirements.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Education

Required: Technical degree a major plus Preferred: Technical Degree or significant course work is required if prior work experience is outside the field of plastics processing or engineering. Technical Degree can be two-year program in plastics processing if adequate work experience exists or 4-year degree in plastics packaging or related field of engineering.

Experience

Required: Prior technical/mechanical experience. Work environment should include in excess of 5 years hands on plastics processing experience and Related project management experience. If the candidate has a technical degree minimum of work experience with a record of successful project management experience a major plus

Skills

• Understanding of plastic materials and test methods
• Strong understanding of manufacturing platforms for containers
• Extrusion Blow Molding Injection Stretch Blow Molding Tooling design experience is a major plus
• Ability to manage and maintain multiple product development projects
• Understanding of statistical tools for evaluation of processes
• Strong time management skills
• Knowledge of Plastics Processing (both theoretical and hands-on)
• Ability to Document
• Ability to Communicate both verbal and written
• Ability to deal with all levels of personnel (maintenance to executives)
• Ability to foster/nurture Customer Relationships
• Ability to Organize (multiple projects, files, tasks, etc.)
• Strong Results-oriented approach
• Able to set priorities and manage multiple projects
• Work well under pressure Still achieve deadlines without sacrificing quality of work.

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.

Company Background

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.