Plant Engineer

Company Statement: Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life. For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here. At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce. We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth. Overview:

The Plant Engineer is responsible for performing technical and project engineering duties to improve plant manufacturing performance, reduce costs, improve methods, and assist in machine maintenance and reliability. Focus includes building and grounds maintenance, environmental responsibility, and strong support of electrical control systems and PLC processes. The primary job rotations of a Plant Engineer may include:

 

 

• Lead Plant Reliability and Maintenance Excellence through preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies that improve equipment performance and reduce downtime.
• Manage Engineering and Capital Projects from concept through implementation, including budgeting, contractor management, equipment selection, and project execution.
• Drive Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence using Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, A3 problem solving, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Provide Technical Leadership and Cross-Functional Support for manufacturing processes, utility systems, equipment upgrades, training, and operational performance improvements.
• Lead engineering initiatives to improve plant safety, productivity, quality, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, capital requests, budgets, timelines, and resource plans for engineering and facility improvement projects.
• Manage capital projects from approval through completion, including contractor coordination, procurement activities, budget control, and schedule management.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including A3, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), to identify and eliminate recurring issues.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for utility systems including air compressors, pumps, chillers, cooling towers, water treatment systems, and related infrastructure.
• Support the development and execution of preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs, including vibration analysis, infrared inspections, oil analysis, and ultrasonic testing.
• Analyze equipment and process performance data to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, continuous improvement initiatives, autonomous maintenance activities, and operational excellence projects.
• Drive plant performance improvements through Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, downtime reduction, cycle improvements, and waste elimination initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and technical teams to develop standards, reaction plans, and best practices that improve manufacturing performance and product quality.
• Evaluate, select, qualify, and implement new equipment, systems, technologies, and process improvements.
• Review equipment performance and conduct audits to ensure compliance with operational standards and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Maintain and improve computerized maintenance management and preventive maintenance systems, ensuring accurate equipment records and maintenance planning.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical assessments, project documentation, engineering change notices, SOPs, and management presentations.
• Deliver technical training and coaching to operators, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and plant teams while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications:

Education and/or Work Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering preferred (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).

• Minimum of 5 years of engineering, maintenance, reliability, or technical leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing capital projects, equipment installations, and facility improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance and reliability engineering principles.
  Experience with utility support systems, including compressors, pumps, chillers, cooling towers, and water treatment systems.
• Knowledge of predictive and preventive maintenance methodologies.
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of procurement processes, contractor management, and vendor relationships.
• Experience with SAP, CMMS, or similar maintenance and project management systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Ability to travel as required to support manufacturing locations and project activities.
• This position may perform additional responsibilities and projects as assigned to support business objectives and operational requirements.\Preferred Qualifications
• Professional Engineering (PE) certification or advanced technical certifications.
• Experience within plastics, packaging, or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt or Lean Certification.
• Expertise in PLCs, controls systems, and industrial automation.
• Experience leading multi-site reliability or operational excellence initiatives.

Compensation Statement: The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience. Benefits Statement: Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements. EEO Disclaimer: Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.