Process Operations Technician Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 Requisition #:

Job Description:

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.

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At Greif, we believe that our colleagues are the center of our success. Our Total Rewards have a comprehensive focus on well-being and offer a competitive package that enables you to thrive, be engaged, and reach your full potential.

Compensation Range:

Benefits Statement:

Protect Yourself From Scams: We value the integrity of our recruitment process and prioritize the well-being of our candidates. While you may find Greif job postings on various platforms, all legitimate opportunities can be verified on our official Careers page at www.greif.com. All communication from Greif regarding job opportunities will also come from an @greif.com email address. If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting, receive an unsolicited job offer or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact us for verification via this link Contact Us - Greif.

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.