Material Applications Engineer

Material Applications Engineer, Manufacturing
Silgan Containers – Riverbank, California

Materials Engineering | Manufacturing | Quality Engineering | Multi-Site Operations

Silgan Containers is seeking a Material Applications Engineer to provide technical expertise for metal packaging materials, coatings, and sealants used in the manufacturing of food containers across multiple plants. This role is ideal for an engineering professional who enjoys material science, manufacturing, product quality improvement, supplier collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving in a multi-site manufacturing environment.

The compensation for this CA-based position is competitive and based on experience, education, and skills, typically ranging from $82,000 - $115,000 per year. This opportunity offers exposure to large-scale manufacturing operations, cross-functional technical projects, and material innovation while working alongside experienced engineering professionals in the metal packaging industry.

What We Offer You:

Join an engineering team responsible for supporting materials and processes across multiple Silgan manufacturing plants.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive base salary with annual performance-based pay increases

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, and disability coverage

• Specialized wellness programs including diabetes and hypertension management

• Optional pet insurance

• 401k with a 6 percent employer match

• 15 paid vacation days plus 10 paid holidays annually

• Tuition assistance and ongoing professional development opportunities

• Long-term career stability with a growing, sustainability-focused manufacturing company

• Opportunity to work across multiple manufacturing facilities and gain exposure to diverse plant operations

• Hands-on technical development in materials, coatings, and food packaging applications

What You Will Do:

As a Material Applications Engineer, you will provide technical expertise for materials used in food container manufacturing while working closely with plant teams and suppliers to ensure product quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance for metals, coatings, and sealants across multiple manufacturing facilities

• Assist in resolving plant production issues related to material performance, including critical defects and customer complaints

• Coordinate and lead material-related projects, including trials, testing, and implementation initiatives

• Prepare and evaluate test materials and finished containers to ensure quality and compliance

• Track supplier issues, material trials, and ongoing technical projects

• Collaborate with suppliers and coordinate technical meetings to address material performance and improvements

• Partner with plant teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize material application processes

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, performance, and manufacturing efficiency

• Develop reports, document findings, and provide technical recommendations

What You Need to Bring:

The ideal candidate combines strong materials engineering knowledge, manufacturing experience, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to engage with multiple plants and suppliers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Packaging, or a related field

• Experience or academic exposure to organic coatings, lithography, sealants, or similar materials

• Experience with or exposure to supporting manufacturing operations, quality troubleshooting, or material performance improvement

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve production and quality issues

• Experience or involvement in material trials, testing, or technical projects

• Ability to work cross-functionally with plant teams, suppliers, and engineering groups across multiple manufacturing sites

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 

Who We Are:

Silgan Containers is the largest producer of metal food packaging in North America and a leader in sustainable manufacturing and operational innovation. Team members contribute to products used by many of the world’s most recognized brands while advancing environmental sustainability, recycling e