Plastic Technician - Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Lead colleague who works independently to set up, monitor, and troubleshoot blow molding, injection molding, or extrusion molding machinery to ensure optimal production performance.
• Lead daily production operations, including all machine setup, start‑up, and troubleshooting.
• Lead others who operate and monitor plastic molding and extrusion equipment, ensuring optimal performance during production.
• Assist maintenance with troubleshooting and repair of equipment.
• Customize process parameters based on product specifications and past experience.
• Monitor production schedules to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
• Coordinate with production supervisors and other departments to meet operational goals.
• Perform preventive maintenance and moderate repairs on equipment, communicating major repairs to maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex plastic molding, extrusion, finishing, and process‑related issues.
• Lead repair efforts, including detailed troubleshooting and part replacements.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process‑related issues.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams for long‑term fixes.
• Adjust and optimize machine parameters to improve production efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Propose and implement improvements to enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), focusing on reducing cycle times and improving throughput.
• Maintain accurate production records, including equipment logs and process changes.
• Ensure accuracy of all records and make adjustments as needed.
• Prepare detailed reports on production performance, downtime causes, and maintenance history.
• Analyze production trends and suggest operational improvements based on data.
• Ensure all quality checks are completed to maintain compliance with company and industry standards.
• Collaborate with the quality control team to maintain compliance with company and industry standards.
• Support and help implement all related quality control initiatives.
• Work closely with engineering and quality control teams to address operational issues and improve production processes.
• Operate all equipment/gauges and relieve machine operators during breaks and lunches.
• Provide feedback on mold design and assist tool and die makers to dial in each mold for optimal cycle time and quality.
• Train and advise junior technicians.
• Promote, comply, and ensure operations and company safety procedures and practices are followed.
• Recommend new policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Typically possesses a High School diploma (or equivalent) and 5 or more years of experience.

• Strong mechanical skills including knowledge of electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, air compressors, chillers, and PLCs with the ability to make required adjustments.
• Able to troubleshoot machine maintenance issues as they arise.
• Strong understanding of plastics materials, manufacturing processes, and machinery operations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance.
• Strong problem solving skills with the capability to troubleshoot and resolve production issues.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Adherence to safety protocols and regulations in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to make process changes to ensure production of high‑quality product.

The pay range for this position is $26.68 - $45.43. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between $32.00 to $40.00, with variations based on market data, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short‑term incentive.

Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, paid time off, and other competitive benefits which are available for eligible colleagues effective day one.

Greif is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.