Staff/Principal Engineer - Plastics

While we prefer this role be based our of our corporate office in Mason, MI, we would also consider Horse Cave, KY or Leola, PA.

The Staff/Principal Engineer - Plastics, will report to the Director of Engineering Plastics and will lead the technical direction of the division along with solving the most complex challenging problems in our supply network. The focus will be to make our portfolio of plastic cup, lids, and other containers better, faster, and cheaper to meet our customers' needs. This position will own the multi-year strategic plan in the plastics area including technically vetting CapEx projects, optimizing existing plant processes, owning the technology of the future, and coaching/train the broader engineering organization on best-in-class plastics manufacturing procedures/standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety and Compliance:
  • Foster a culture of safety and compliance by implementing and maintaining robust practices and processes.
  • Utilize tools such as FMEA, PSM, and others to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
• Project Leadership:
  • Anticipate and plan for succession to ensure continuity of leadership.
  • Create a positive work environment that fosters motivation, engagement, and accountability.
• Strategic and Tactical Planning:
  • Develop long-term technical plans aligned with the company's strategic goals.
  • Propose and implement innovative solutions to complex manufacturing challenges.
  • Optimize manufacturing footprint, labor utilization, operating margins, and ROI.
  • Support manufacturing plants, procurement, and R&D on deep technical issues.
• Collaboration and Relationships:
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to streamline the equipment procurement process.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business, R&D, supply chain) to drive mutually beneficial decisions.
• Cost Management and Value Engineering:
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, service, efficiency, and employee engagement.
  • Implement value-add and value engineering strategies to optimize productivity.
• Technology and Data Management:
  • Stay abreast of technology trends and market demands to identify opportunities for innovation.
  • Establish standardized practices and procedures for engineering activities and ensure team compliance.
  • Leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making and accountability.

Core Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering, polymer/materials science, or related field with at least 10 years of progressive technical and project management experience.
• Leadership and Influencing Skills:
  • Demonstrate ability to document knowledge and train others.
  • Excellent communication skills to persuade and influence stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and foster collaboration.
  • Effective presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
  • Proven track record of driving results and accountability in matrix organizations.
• Critical and Strategic Thinking:
  • Ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Strategic mindset to understand the big picture and how different components of the customer requirements and plant capability interact.
  • Willingness to make decisions with limited information.
• Technical Capability and Business Acumen:
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver results with a sense of urgency.
  • Proven problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and manufacturing techniques.
  • Extensive Knowledge in data analysis and analytics, and solid understanding of measurement control metrics including GR&R, Cp/Cpk and correlation analysis.
  • Experience with the design, engineering, and installation of production lines for plastics (PP, PET, PS, PLA, etc.).
• Up to 40% domestic and international travel.
• Valid driver's license and US passport.
  

Overview:Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red Solo cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for more than 50 years. Dart is a family-owned, family-focused company of 13,000 employees united by a shared set of values. Headquartered in Mason, MI, Dart has 30 locations in four countries.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.

Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/

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