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Process Engineer

Greif · IL · $103,900–$176,800 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you used data to find the root cause of a quality problem.

What they are checking: Whether they use tools like Pareto charts or 5 Whys to get to causes rather than treating symptoms.

Tell me about a continuous improvement project you led. What did you change and what were the results?

What they are checking: Whether they can point to a concrete result, not just involvement in a team that did something.

What would you do

You support plants across a network. How do you spread a fix that worked at one plant to the others?

What they are checking: Whether they can standardize improvements across sites while respecting local differences in equipment and people.

A drum is failing a leak test intermittently at one plant. Where do you start?

What they are checking: Whether they think about seam welding, material, tooling wear, and test method in a structured way.

How do you work with operators who have run a line for 20 years and don't think anything needs to change?

What they are checking: Whether they respect operator knowledge and use it, which is usually how process engineers win trust on the floor.

How do you balance reliability, quality, and cost when they point in different directions?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh tradeoffs openly and do not optimize one measure while quietly hurting the others.

About the work

This role supports Greif's steel drum plants. What do you know about how a steel drum is made, and what would you want to learn first?

What they are checking: Whether they have done homework on the forming, welding, and coating steps and are curious about the details.

Walk me through how you'd plan and run a trial on a production line.

What they are checking: Whether they set a clear hypothesis, control variables, collect data, and protect production during the test.

How do you measure whether a process improvement actually saved money?

What they are checking: Whether they can show real cost savings with before and after data rather than estimates no one checks.

What statistical tools do you use to tell whether a process is stable and capable?

What they are checking: Whether they understand SPC and capability measures well enough to know when to adjust a process and when to leave it.

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The full job description

As published by Greif.

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn. OUR VISION: To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win. OUR PURPOSE: Creating packaging solutions for life’s essentials. Job Requisition #: 035550 Process Engineer (Open) Job Description: This role is focused on optimizing the interconnected components of Greif’s manufacturing systems, with a strong emphasis on supporting our steel drum plants through process improvement, operational reliability, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position plays an important role in helping Greif deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production across the network by performing trials, analyzing engineering processes, and identifying opportunities to improve plant performance, reduce cost, and enhance customer satisfaction. Responsibilities may also include managing projects and processes, leading small project teams, and helping develop less experienced colleagues through formal training and day-to-day technical support. Key Responsibilities • Conducts trials, analyzes results, and makes recommendations related to engineering and manufacturing processes, including process optimization, machine downtime reduction, chemical processes, and operational efficiency improvements. • Supports Greif’s steel drum plant operations by identifying opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and consistency across manufacturing processes. • Identifies and resolves issues with existing control strategies and recommends continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives. • Performs calibration and validation testing on plant instrumentation and equipment to support process reliability and product quality. • Investigates manufacturing issues and customer complaints, determines root cause, and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence. • Prepares and reviews monthly quality and production reports to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. • Interprets, communicates, and implements company policies, standards, and practices within plant operations. • Maintains current engineering knowledge of emerging technologies, manufacturing practices, and continuous improvement tools relevant to Greif’s operations. • May lead small projects or project teams and provide formal training and guidance to less experienced engineering team members. • Partners cross-functionally with plant leadership, operations, maintenance, quality, and other teams to support business goals and operational excellence. • Performs other duties as assigned. Education And Experience • Typically requires a degree in Engineering or a related technical field. • Typically possesses 4+ years of relevant manufacturing or engineering experience, preferably in an industrial or process-driven environment. Knowledge And Skills • Broad knowledge of industrial instrumentation, electrical systems, manufacturing processes, chemical concepts, and lean manufacturing principles. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex manufacturing issues and develop practical solutions. • Project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives, manage timelines, and drive results. • Technical acumen with an understanding of financial concepts such as cost analysis, budgets, and productivity improvement opportunities. • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and procedures in simple, practical terms for a variety of audiences. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and build strong cross-functional partnerships. • Strong attention to detail with effective written and verbal communication skills. • Proficiency in relevant engineering and manufacturing software tools, such as CAD and other technical systems. At Greif , we believe that our colleagues are the center of our success. Our Total Rewards have a comprehensive focus on well-being and offer a competitive package that enables you to thrive, be engaged, and reach your full potential. Compensation Range: The pay range for this position is $103,900.00 - $176,800.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between140,000.00 to150,000.00 annually. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short-term incentive. Benefits Statement: Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive core benefits, paid time off, and a range of local benefits for eligible colleagues. Protect Yourself From Scams: We value the integrity of our recruitment process and prioritize the well-being of our candidates. While you may find Greif job postings on various platforms, all legitimate opportunities can be verified on our official Careers page at www.greif.com . All communication from Greif regarding job opportunities will also come from an @greif.com email address. If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting, receive an unsolicited job offer or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact us for verification via this link Contact Us - Greif . EEO Statement: https://www.greif.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HR-101-Equal-Employment-Opportunity-Policy-English.pdf We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We 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 any other legally protected characteristic. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

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