Process Engineer - Plastics Blow Molding

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

Greif is seeking a Process Engineer with strong plastic blow molding and PLC programming experience to support manufacturing operations across multiple IBC facilities. This role is responsible for optimizing production processes, improving product quality, reducing waste, and driving operational efficiency through process standardization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex technical challenges while partnering closely with plant leadership, maintenance, quality, operations, and reliability teams.

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

Required 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.
• 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, we encourage you to apply.