Sr. Process Technician

Greif•Alsip, IL

6d•$90,000 - $153,200•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

High School Diploma required
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Technical Certification or Associate Degree preferred.

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.