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.

Graham Packaging is seeking an Operations Engineer to join our Food & Beverage Engineering Department. This role requires hands-on experience with blow and injection molding, plastics manufacturing equipment, and supporting systems. The Operations Engineer will drive innovation, standardization, and reliability across Graham’s asset base while supporting plant operations with technical expertise and improvement initiatives

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple engineering and improvement projects.
• Support manufacturing sites and the technical network with reliability and performance improvements.
• Define and execute technical manufacturing projects, including requirements assessment, specification alignment, and system performance evaluation.
• Evaluate and validate blow and injection molding systems and testing methods.
• Drive standardization in equipment configuration, commissioning, training, auditing, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Own processes for equipment setup, validation, commissioning, and implementation of engineering advisories.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support for systems and machinery.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods (A3, 8D, SMED, Autonomous Maintenance).
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, serving as a subject matter expert in critical manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support technical innovation projects and provide feedback for future equipment development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers.
• Travel on average 75% (domestic and international).

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Subject matter expert in rigid packaging (POLY or PET disciplines preferred).
• Proven ability to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Proficiency in functional requirements analysis and supplier performance criteria.
• Experience with electromechanical systems, geometric dimensioning, tolerance, and stack-up analysis.
• Skilled in technical writing, project management, and cross-functional communication.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, modeling software, and PC-based applications (Microsoft Project, Power BI, Minitab).
• Six Sigma or equivalent problem-solving certification preferred.
• Experience managing capital projects over $100k.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing; plastics industry experience strongly preferred.

The standard compensation for this role is $107,900 - $161,800. 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.