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.

Working across the North American manufacturing network, the Operations Equipment Support Engineer partners with Corporate Engineering, Plant Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Equipment Suppliers to drive standardization, reliability, automation intelligence, and continuous improvement across all production equipment.

 

This role serves as the technical expert responsible for improving the reliability, maintainability, and performance of blow molding, In-Mold Labeling (IML), trimming, downstream, and support equipment. The engineer develops and deploys standardized engineering solutions, maintenance strategies, automation initiatives, and best practices that improve equipment uptime, reduce downtime, and optimize overall manufacturing performance.

 

In addition to traditional engineering support, this position is responsible for leveraging Automation Intelligence, digital technologies, AI-enabled analytics, predictive maintenance tools, and knowledge management systems to improve equipment performance, standardize engineering practices, and accelerate problem resolution across multiple manufacturing sites.

 

The Operations Equipment Support Engineer will develop, implement, audit, and continuously improve proactive, preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs while leading root cause investigations, equipment optimization, technical training, and enterprise-wide knowledge sharing.

 

This position reports to the Operations Engineering Manager.

Equipment Reliability & Engineering Support

• Serve as the corporate Subject Matter Expert (SME) for blow molding, IML systems, trimming equipment, and downstream support equipment.
• Apply engineering principles and equipment expertise to improve machine reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Complete annual preventive maintenance inspections by independently performing work or leading maintenance teams.
• Document equipment measurements, inspection results, maintenance findings, and engineering recommendations.
• Support plant engineering teams in identifying equipment-related issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Lead or support equipment changeovers, major equipment overhauls, rebuilds, and capital improvement projects.
• Read and interpret mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and equipment drawings to support maintenance and spare parts identification.
• Understand tooling, mold maintenance, bottle processing, and quality defects related to equipment performance.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting beyond plant maintenance capabilities.

• Required Automation Intelligence & Digital Engineering / PLC Experience
• Serve as the corporate Subject Matter Expert (SME) for PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and industrial automation systems.
• Perform advanced PLC troubleshooting to quickly diagnose electrical, controls, communications, and process-related issues beyond plant maintenance capabilities.
• Read, interpret, and modify PLC logic, HMI applications, and industrial control systems to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Support startup, commissioning, validation, and optimization of new equipment, controls upgrades, and automation projects.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial networks, remote I/O systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, motion controls, vision systems, safety controllers, and operator interfaces.
• Utilize PLC diagnostics, trending, data collection, and machine analytics to identify equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Corporate Engineering, Controls Engineers, OEMs, and system integrators on machine upgrades, automation improvements, and capital projects.
• Standardize PLC programs, control philosophies, alarm management, backup procedures, and documentation across the North American manufacturing network.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, I/O documentation, PLC backups, HMI standards, and controls documentation.
• Leverage automation intelligence, AI-assisted diagnostics, predictive maintenance technologies, and equipment performance data to improve machine uptime and reliability.
• Train maintenance technicians and engineers on PLC troubleshooting, controls architecture, automation best practices, and standardized troubleshooting procedures.
• Candidates should possess extensive experience with industrial control systems, including:
• PLC programming, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and system optimization.
• Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5, and SLC platforms.
• Siemens S7/TIA Portal (preferred).
• Mitsubishi, Omron, Beckhoff, Schneider Electric, or other industrial PLC platforms (preferred).
• Human Machine Interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView, WinCC, or equivalent).
• Servo motion control systems.
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control systems.
• Industrial networking including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, ProfiNet, ProfiBus, Modbus TCP/IP, and Ethernet communications.
• Industrial safety systems including safety PLCs, light curtains, interlocks, and machine safety circuits.
• SCADA systems, data acquisition, and manufacturing information systems.
• Machine vision systems and intelligent sensors.
• Electrical troubleshooting from field devices through PLC hardware and control logic.
• Equipment commissioning, controls validation, and startup support.
• Integration of automation technologies, IIoT devices, condition monitoring systems, and AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.

Knowledge Management & Standardization

• Develop and maintain standardized engineering documentation, equipment standards, Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs), maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and best practice documentation.
• Build and maintain a centralized knowledge repository that captures equipment improvements, failure histories, corrective actions, lessons learned, and technical standards.
• Document root cause investigations, engineering modifications, and equipment improvements for enterprise-wide use.
• Standardize maintenance practices across the North American manufacturing network.
• Create training materials and technical documentation that improve organizational knowledge retention and reduce dependency on individual expertise.
• Ensure engineering documentation remains current following equipment modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reliability Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including A3, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM).
• Lead equipment failure investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Validate corrective actions and leverage successful solutions across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends, recurring failures, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop improved maintenance methods based on equipment condition, operating history, and reliability analysis.
• Provide reliability engineering support for capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new equipment installations.

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Serve as technical lead during equipment troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, and recovery activities.
• Partner with Central Engineering during major equipment installations, rebuilds, and modernization projects.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers and technical vendors to resolve complex machine issues.
• Train maintenance technicians, engineers, and operators through classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and one-on-one coaching.
• Influence maintenance organizations to adopt standardized engineering practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assess site-specific maintenance challenges and recommend practical technical solutions that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Reporting & Performance Management

• Prepare technical reports including:
• Engineering Assessments
• Machine Audits
• Reliability Studies
• Failure Analysis Reports
• Engineering Change Notifications
• Equipment Performance Reviews
• Track engineering labor, travel, project status, and maintenance metrics.
• Utilize maintenance and production data to monitor improvements and sustain performance gains.
• Communicate project progress and recommendations to plant leadership and corporate engineering.

Required Experience

• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing maintenance, equipment reliability, or operations engineering.
• Extensive experience supporting:
• Blow Molders
• Injection Molders
• In-Mold Labeling (IML) Systems
• Trimming Equipment
• Downstream Equipment
• Auxiliary Manufacturing Systems
• Strong understanding of industrial safety regulations and safe maintenance practices.
• Experience implementing preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), PLC diagnostics, HMI systems, SCADA platforms, and industrial networking.
• Experience with predictive maintenance technologies and equipment condition monitoring.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled maintenance analytics, digital engineering tools, and automation platforms is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Expertise

• Equipment Reliability Engineering
• Mechanical Systems
• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
• Blow Molding Processes
• Tooling & Mold Maintenance
• Equipment Diagnostics
• Root Cause Analysis
• Reliability-Centered Maintenance
• Failure Analysis
• Capital Equipment Support

 

Automation Intelligence

• AI-Assisted Equipment Diagnostics
• Predictive Maintenance Technologies
• Digital Engineering
• Industrial Automation
• Smart Manufacturing
• Data Analytics
• Equipment Performance Monitoring
• Workflow Automation
• Process Optimization
• Industry 4.0 Technologies

Knowledge Management

• Technical Documentation
• Engineering Standards Development
• Standard Operating Conditions (SOC)
• Best Practice Development

The standard compensation for this role is $95,400 - 143,100. Salary offers will be determined based on final candidate qualifications, experience, skillset, and other relevant factors.

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 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.

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.