HDPE Blow Molding Operations Engineer Technical Specialist

HDPE Blow Molding Technical Specialist

Location: McDonough, GA / Remote

Travel Requirement: Approximately 70% Travel

Reports To: Director of Manufacturing Operations

Position Summary

The HDPE Blow Molding Technical Specialist serves as the company's primary technical resource for extrusion blow molding operations across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role provides hands-on expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting, startup support, equipment commissioning, mold qualification, employee training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will be a highly skilled extrusion blow molding professional with extensive HDPE processing experience and a proven track record of improving safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. This position requires frequent travel to manufacturing sites to support operational excellence, new product launches, capital projects, and technical problem-solving.

Essential Responsibilities

Technical Process Support

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for HDPE extrusion blow molding processes.

• Diagnose and resolve molding defects, process instability, quality concerns, and equipment performance issues.

• Establish and optimize machine process parameters to maximize productivity and quality.

• Lead troubleshooting efforts related to parison programming, wall distribution, bottle performance, and material utilization.

• Support startup and stabilization of new production lines.

Multi-Site Operational Support

• Travel to manufacturing facilities to address technical challenges and improve performance.

• Provide on-site support during equipment installations, line transfers, and expansion projects.

• Standardize best practices and operating procedures across facilities.

• Assist plants with achieving OEE, scrap reduction, and throughput improvement goals.

Equipment & Tooling Expertise

• Support blow molding equipment including:

• Uniloy reciprocating screw systems

• Bekum shuttle machines

• Continuous extrusion blow molding systems

• Leak testers

• Auxiliary equipment and downstream automation

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability.

• Assist with mold qualification, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance programs.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead process capability studies and improvement projects.

• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve manufacturing performance.

• Support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.

Training & Development

• Train operators, process technicians, setup technicians, supervisors, and engineers.

• Develop technical training materials and operating standards.

• Mentor plant personnel on advanced blow molding techniques and troubleshooting methods.

• Promote knowledge sharing across manufacturing facilities.

New Product Launches

• Support bottle and package development activities.

• Lead mold trials and production qualification runs.

• Coordinate process validation efforts.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams during product launches.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture at all manufacturing sites.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.

• Participate in safety investigations, audits, and corrective action activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and extensive blow molding experience will be considered.

Experience

• 8+ years of extrusion blow molding experience.

• 5+ years of hands-on HDPE processing experience.

• Demonstrated success in high-volume bottle manufacturing environments.

• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites preferred.

• Experience with automotive fluids or similar packaging operations preferred.

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of HDPE extrusion blow molding.

• Strong understanding of:

• Parison programming

• Wall distribution optimization

• HDPE resin processing

• Mold and tooling design

• Bottle performance testing

• Leak detection systems

• Root cause problem-solving methodologies.

• OEE improvement and manufacturing analytics.

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools.

• ERP and manufacturing reporting systems.

• Microsoft Office Suite.

Core Competencies

• Technical troubleshooting expertise

• Strong communication and training skills

• Project management

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Data-driven decision making

• Relationship building across multiple sites

• Customer-focused approach

• Adaptability and self-direction

Working Conditions

• Approximately 70% travel to manufacturing facilities throughout North America.

• Significant time spent on production floors troubleshooting equipment and processes.

• Ability to work flexible hours and support off-shift production as needed.

• Must be able to climb ladders, access elevated platforms, and wear required PPE.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work in manufacturing environments.

Key Success Metrics

• OEE improvement across supported facilities

• Scrap and material waste reduction

• Startup success of new equipment and products

• Downtime reduction

• Process standardization adoption

• Operator and technician skill development

• Safety performance

• Cost savings generated through technical improvements