Plastic Process Engineer

Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Build What’s Next.

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges?

Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and process optimization—and enjoy being the person who steps in, troubleshoots issues, and makes the process better?

If you’re energized by owning the process from concept through production and turning ideas into stable, repeatable, high-performing manufacturing systems, this is the kind of role where your expertise directly drives results.

We’re looking for a Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer to lead large-scale, complex, and highly visible thermoforming initiatives. In this role, you’ll serve as the technical owner of process capability and equipment performance, leading projects across the full product lifecycle—from material selection and tooling development to prototyping, validation, scale-up, and full production launch.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an engineer who wants to improve equipment performance, increase process reliability, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement on the plant floor.

What You’ll Own

• Lead thermoforming process development and optimization
• Own equipment performance, process capability, and troubleshooting
• Partner with tooling, operations, and quality teams to improve manufacturability
• Drive prototype-to-production scale-up
• Improve cycle times, scrap reduction, yield, and repeatability
• Support new product launches and process validation
• Lead continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence initiatives

What Makes This Role Exciting

• High visibility across engineering and operations
• Direct ownership of equipment and process outcomes
• Opportunity to influence how products are built at scale
• Hands-on work where your technical decisions matter immediately
• Strong focus on innovation and process improvement

Location for Position: Leola, PA or Mason, MI

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (e.g., H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, TN, etc.)

We can hire at Associate, Mid, or Sr. Level! 

What You’ll Bring...

Process Engineer

• Requires one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in engineering or related field of study and three (3) years of related engineering experience, OR
  • Associate’s degree and nine (9) years of related engineering experience
• Experience analyzing production equipment, processes and materials and solving issues
• Knowledge of various statistical and quality methodologies including but not limited to Statistical Process Control (SPC), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), 5S, 8D, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis, Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R), and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Prior experience working with thermoforming, injection molding, print, and/or paper equipment and processes
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various products
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problemsAbility to successfully prioritize, and organize projects, deadlines, and tasks with little supervision in both team and independent environments
• Strong verbal and written skills necessary to communicate intricate job-related information

Sr. Process Engineer

• Requires one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in engineering or related field of study and six (6) years of related engineering experience, OR
  • Associate’s degree and twelve (12) years of related engineering experience
• Proven experience and success in analyzing production equipment, processes and materials, and solving issues
• Experience utilizing various statistical and quality methodologies including but not limited to Statistical Process Control (SPC), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), 5S, 8D, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis, Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R), and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Advanced knowledge of thermoforming, injection molding, print, and/or paper equipment and processes
• Advanced knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various products
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• Advanced knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
• Advanced knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to successfully prioritize, and manage large, complex projects, deadlines, and tasks with little supervision in both team and independent environments
• Strong verbal and written skills necessary to communicate intricate job-related information

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to write technical and business documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Product focused:
  • Greenbelt or Blackbelt Certification
  • Proven experience and success in leading engineering efforts for new or modified products from conception through launch
  • Progressive experience in product design and development
  • Experience with CAD and simulation tools

#LI-KS1 

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 65 years.  We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.

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/

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.