Process Manager- Extrusion Blow Molding

CKS Packaging is currently looking for an experienced Plastics Process Manager with strong hands-on experience operating, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing Bekum extrusion blow molding equipment. This position will be responsible for leading the technical processing function within the plant for our Bekum machines, ensuring that blow molding processes are optimized for quality, productivity, cycle time, scrap reduction, and machine efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of Bekum blow molding machines, extrusion processes, parison programming, mold and tooling optimization, material processing, and process troubleshooting. We are currently looking for someone who will be comfortable working directly on the production floor and and providing hands-on technical leadership. What's In it for You? • Stable, growing organization with opportunity for future advancement of qualified candidates • Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits at modest employee contributions • Discretionary Bonus • 401k participation with Company matching contributions upon completion of first 30 days of service Responsibilities • Lead the processing of products manufactured on Bekum extrusion blow molding machines • Establish, maintain, and optimize machine processing parameters for existing and new products • Develop standardized setup and processing procedures for Bekum equipment • Optimize temperatures, speed, parison programming, blow pressure, cycle times, and material usage • Ensure machines are operating within established process windows • Identify and eliminate process variation between machines and shifts • Maintain accurate process sheets and machine setup documentation • Develop and optimize parison programming to achieve proper wall thickness distribution and part performance • Troubleshoot parison sag, pinch-off issues, uneven wall thickness, flash, trimming problems, and material distribution issues • Optimize extrusion rates and die/head settings for product requirements • Identify opportunities to reduce material usage while maintaining product specifications • Troubleshoot issues involving resin, regrind, melt temperature, moisture, contamination, and material consistency • Establish repeatable processing conditions for different resins and product designs • Support mold installations, changeovers, and process validations • Troubleshoot flash, pinch off defects, short shots, wall thickness issues, dimension variations, cooling and trimming issues • Establish efficient and repeatable mold change and startup procedures Qualifications • 5+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing or plastics processing • Strong experience with Bekum extrusion blow molding machines • Proven experience with blow molding process optimization and troubleshooting • Strong knowledge of plastics processing principles, machine operation, tooling, materials, and process controls • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex processing and production problems • Experience establishing and optimizing machine processing parameters • Experience with scrap reduction, cycle-time improvement, and production efficiency initiatives • Ability to read and interpret technical documents, process specifications, and production data • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment