Injection–Blow Molding Process Engineer
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Company: Pretium Packaging
You walk the plant floor before most people have had their first coffee. A molding line is warming up; sensors blink to life. You run through start-up checks, verify calibrations, and fine-tune oven profiles so every preform hits the sweet spot. A labeler needs a timing tweak, an Aoki ISBM cell awaits a mold change, and production wants your go/no-go on a new run. This is where you thrive—hands-on, in the process, keeping quality and throughput in lockstep.
About Pretium
Founded in 1992, Pretium Packaging is a leading supplier of injection‑blow molded plastic containers. With 20 manufacturing locations across North America, we deliver innovative, high‑performance packaging to brand owners throughout the U.S. and Canada—backed by superior quality, value, and customer service.
Your Impact
As a Process Engineer, you’ll collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and tooling to keep molding lines running to spec. You’ll diagnose process defects, implement corrective actions, and establish stable, efficient parameters that meet demanding quality standards.
What a day could look like
- Start up new and existing equipment; perform loop checks; calibrate; troubleshoot; resolve system issues to verify proper operation.
- Respond to urgent work orders; analyze software/hardware problems; validate fixes and restore performance.
- Direct system installations to ensure specs and safety requirements are met for both personnel and vendors.
- Define internal quality control plans, including gauging methods and inspection frequency.
- Assist with new project setups, tool changes, and program adjustments for smooth launches.
- Troubleshoot production process issues; propose alternatives to protect schedules and maintain product quality.
- Modify existing systems—software and circuitry—to achieve project objectives.
- Recommend improvements that drive safe, reliable operation of newly installed equipment.
- Review daily check sheets for accuracy; identify anomalies and initiate corrective action.
- Oversee changeovers to ensure they’re on time and executed correctly.
- Verify preventive maintenance is performed per schedule and documented accurately.
- Promote strong housekeeping and safe operating practices.
- Ensure weekly setup sheets are completed for all lines; investigate deviations and follow up.
- Investigate and resolve product quality issues through root cause analysis.
- Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns; replace or rebuild machine components as needed.
- Set up molding machines and trimmers; align/install molds; set cycles, air pressures, and water temps; position labelers; change over and adjust reamers, trim stations, and material inspection systems; dial in sequence timing.
- Coordinate production schedules for maximum efficiency and productivity.
- Implement line improvements that lift productivity and enhance product quality.
- Process new molds/tooling, establishing run parameters for best efficiency.
What you bring
- Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in mechanical/plastics engineering or related field.
- Reheat blow process and automation experience.
- Hands-on familiarity with Aoki (ISBM/IBM/IM), Uniloy (IBM), and Zhongya (IM) machinery.
- Root cause analysis and troubleshooting expertise.
- Experience setting oven profiles.
- Infeed and outfeed conveyor experience.
- Effective leadership and decision-making; able to lead and drive project teams.
- Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Training or experience in Lean Manufacturing practices.
- Ability to travel and train as needed throughout the region.
Why Pretium
We manufacture rigid plastic containers for some of the most recognized brands. Our plants emphasize safety, performance, and continuous improvement—giving you the platform to make a measurable impact while growing your career.
Technical strengths we value
- Continuous Improvement
- Process Engineering
- Plastics – PA6 Experience
- Plastics – PA66 Materials Experience
- Plastic Extrusion Experience