Sr. Process Technician

Greif, Inc.; Lockport (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Greif, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Sr. Process Technician to lead and optimize large batch blow-molding operations for plastic drums.

The role focuses on safe, stable, and efficient manufacturing, providing expert troubleshooting and mentoring to technicians and production teams in a high-volume plant environment. You will apply mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls and PLC programming to support equipment upgrades, process windows, and standardized operating

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years hands-on blow-molding experience in large plastic drum operations.
• Experience optimizing processes to improve yield and reduce costs.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls.
• Proficiency with PLCs and data analysis.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Ability to communicate and document processes across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup, optimization, and control of blow-m molding equipment to ensure consistent production.
• Monitor and adjust process parameters to improve throughput, yield, and OEE.
• Diagnose root causes and implement corrective actions for process and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects and downtime.
• Develop and standardize processing best practices and troubleshooting guides.
• Support new product launches, mold trials, and equipment installations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction and cost efficiency.
• Track process data and analyze improvement results using KPIs.

Skills

Blow-molding

Process optimization

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Electrical systems

PLC programming

Education

High School Diploma

Technical Certification or Associate Degree

Job description

Job Requisition #: 034301 Sr. Process Technician (Open) Job Description:

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. OUR VISION: Being the customer service company in the world. OUR PURPOSE: Creating packaging solutions for life’s essentials.

Job Summary:

The Senior Process Technician is a technical leader responsible for optimizing, controlling, and continuously improving large plastic drum blow-molding processes. This role ensures safe, stable, and efficient operations while delivering high-quality products that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The Senior Process Technician serves as a subject matter expert for blow-molding processes, provides advanced troubleshooting support, and mentors technicians and production teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Applies knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical controls, and PLC programming to support projects for the repair, upgrade or replacement of facility equipment and controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ensure consistent, efficient, and repeatable production.
• Monitor and adjust process parameters, including parison control, wall thickness distribution, cycle times, and cooling, to improve throughput, yield, and OEE.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex process and quality issues, quickly diagnosing root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment downtime, and non-conforming products.
• Develop, document, and standardize processing best practices, setup parameters, and troubleshooting guides for drum blow-molding operations.
• Support new product launches, mold trials, and equipment installations by establishing validated process windows and operating standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, material efficiency, cycle time optimization, and cost reduction.
• Track and analyze process data and improvement results, utilizing KPIs and structured problem-solving methods.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance efforts by identifying process-related risks and improvement opportunities.
• Actively promote safe work practices, ensuring compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Train, mentor, and support Process Technicians, Maintenance, and Plastic Technicians across shifts.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma required; Technical Certification or Associate Degree preferred. Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience in plastic blow-molding, with significant experience in large plastic drum operations. Demonstrated success in process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced working knowledge of blow-molding machines, molds, tooling, and auxiliary equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electrical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, PLCs, compressors, chillers, and material handling systems.
• Proven ability to quickly identify, analyze, and correct process deviations in high-volume plastic drum blow-molding operations, minimizing scrap, downtime, and customer quality risks while maintaining safe and stable operations.
• Strong understanding of plastics materials, processing behavior, and drum performance requirements.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to document processes and effectively collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.

Compensation Range:

The pay range for this position is $90,000.00 - $153,200.00. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between $95,000.00 to $125,000.00. 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 medical, dental, paid time off, and other competitive benefits which are available for eligible colleagues effective day one.

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.