Molded Fiber Process Engineer (mid- or senior level) Join Dart as aMolded Fiber Process Engineer and help advance our molded fiber manufacturing capabilities. This position will support critical engineering and process-development projects, evaluate future technologies, and help improve processes from raw materials through finished production. Depending on experience, this position may be filled at the Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer level. The role is based at our Mason facility and supports projects across multiple manufacturing locations, with travel of up to 50%.The ideal candidate brings experience in paper, molded fiber, or a related manufacturing process and is comfortable combining technical analysis with hands-on production-floor support. Success in this role requires humility, curiosity, personal accountability, and the ability to work independently while building strong partnerships across engineering and plant teams.
What You'll Do:- Lead or support engineering projects focused on molded fiber manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies. Manage and prioritize projects based on size, complexity, business need, and level of experience.
- Support critical project work across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and manufacturing approaches that may support molded fiber product and process development.
- Troubleshoot production equipment and processes, identify root causes, and develop practical engineering solutions.
- Lead or participate in process-failure investigations and help establish consistent solutions across facilities.
- Perform feasibility studies related to fabrication, assembly, machining, and manufacturing processes.
- Develop test parameters and participate in equipment testing, process validation, data analysis, and implementation.
- Establish continuous improvement plans that improve safety, quality, efficiency, productivity, or service.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, technical documentation, project reports, and engineering recommendations.
- Partner with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, technicians, and other cross-functional teams. Provide hands-on support during equipment startups and process troubleshooting, including working directly with production lines when needed.
- Help translate broad technical concepts into practical and scalable manufacturing solutions.
- Senior-level candidates may lead large, complex, long-duration projects and mentor other engineers.
- What You'll BringOne of the following: Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in engineering or a related field and:
- Mid-level - at least three (3) years of related engineering experience
- Senior-level - at least six (6) years of related engineering experience. OR:Associate degree and:
- Mid-level - at least nine (9) years of related engineering experience.
- Senior-level - at least twelve (12) years of related engineering experience.
- Experience analyzing production equipment, manufacturing processes, and materials and developing solutions to operational or technical problems.
- Experience with paper manufacturing, paper-processing equipment, molded fiber, thermoforming, injection molding, printing, or related manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of process improvement and quality methodologies such as Statistical Process Control, Statistical Quality Control, 5S, 8D, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Gage R&R, and Design of Experiments.
- Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to organize and prioritize projects, deadlines, and responsibilities with limited supervision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, and other functional teams. Willingness to work in production environments and provide hands-on equipment and process support.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and passport.
- Ability to travel up to 50%.
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct experience with molded fiber products, equipment, or manufacturing processes.
Paper science, chemical engineering, paper manufacturing, or paper-processing experience.
Experience evaluating manufacturing technologies, equipment solutions, or potential technical partners.
Consulting, project engineering, or multi-site manufacturing support experience.
Experience creating technical reports, presentations, operating procedures, and business documentation.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Chemical, Industrial, Paper Science, or a related engineering discipline.
What Makes Someone Successful:
Humble and hands-on: Values the knowledge of operators, technicians, plant teams, and experienced engineers.
Collaborative: Builds productive relationships across locations, departments, and technical disciplines.
Independent: Takes ownership of projects and moves work forward with limited supervision.
Curious: Actively explores new processes, equipment, technologies, and manufacturing methods.
Practical: Translates technical analysis and broad concepts into solutions that work in a manufacturing environment. Adaptable: Moves comfortably between project planning, data analysis, technical documentation, and production-floor support.
Reliable: Demonstrates sound judgment, personal accountability, and consistent follow-through.
Work Environment:
This position works across office, production, and warehouse environments depending on the project. Manufacturing-area conditions may include heat, loud noise, dirt, dust, odors, and fumes. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas.
Relevant Experience & Keywords:
Molded Fiber, Molded Fibre, Paper Science, Pulp and Paper, Paper Manufacturing, Fiber Packaging, Sustainable Packaging, Process Engineering, Senior Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Development, Process Optimization, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), Root Cause Analysis, Process Troubleshooting, Process Validation, Capital Projects, Equipment Commissioning, Equipment Startups, Technology Evaluation, Manufacturing Consulting, Paper Mill Operations, Pulp Manufacturing, Multi-Site Manufacturing Support, Operational Excellence
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. 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. #LI-SL1 #LI-Onsite
