Poly Product Development Engineer

Graham Packaging Company is seeking a Poly Product Development Engineer in Lancaster, PA. The role involves serving as a technical liaison, overseeing multi-phased plastic bottle development projects from design to launch. Responsibilities include translating customer needs into specifications, coordinating design activities, conducting prototype testing, and supporting manufacturing processes. The company promotes a collaborative and innovative culture, emphasizing employee growth and accountability.
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 dotogetherto 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 looking for a Poly Product Development Engineer with strong engineering and problem solving skills. This individual serves as the technical liaison between Graham Packaging and the customer, the sales force, the plants, and the broader technical organization. The Product Development Engineer is responsible for all aspects of multi-phased plastic bottle development projects from inception, through planning, design, prototyping, and commercial launch for both Graham Packaging and our customer.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Translate the voice of the customer and their needs into a bottle design and product specification for complex packaging needsCoordinate industrial and engineering design activities to develop a fit for use package design.Conduct unit/prototype mold construction and sampling to develop a robust blow molding process and utilize data analysis to develop a process that transfers effectively to manufacturing.Develop a production specification that addresses the key product performance characteristics.Support capital engineering by providing product requirements to assist in the specification of manufacturing equipment.Provide instruction to tooling engineers for the construction of production molds and tooling.Conduct manufacturing start-up activities and deliver efficient manufacturing processes to our plants.Conduct customer package validations; obtain required approvals from our customers.Support Graham Packaging manufacturing facilities in advanced problem solving and continuous improvement activities providing direction on procedures, equipment, processes, tooling and product testing.Provide and manage, in a document repository, all project documentation including timelines, data summaries, approvals and customer correspondence.Maintain historical knowledge of development, technology and process best practices and act as subject matter expert in these areas.Research and remain current on packaging trends, packaging technologies, closures and sustainability trends.Travel of up to 70-75% required at times.
Core Proficiencies and Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customersProficient with MS Office applications and MS ProjectStrong problem solving skills utilizing experimentation and data driven decision-makingAdvanced mold design experience and plastics processing experience strongly desiredAdvanced ability to understand and interpret statisticsAdvanced knowledge of plastic materials properties and testing proceduresAbility to develop and execute product-testing proceduresAbility to read and interpret blueprints and drawings

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

BS degree in Engineering (Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering preferred)Experience (5-8 years) developing packaging as a supplier, converter or packaging customer.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 companys 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.