Mechanical Engineering Manager

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 move 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.

What You’ll Lead

You’ll own the department responsible for line start-up, line-out, and process optimization, ensuring seamless transitions from prototype to full-scale production.

Key Responsibilities

• Build & Execute Strategy: Develop and lead department strategies supporting prototype runs, material development, equipment scheduling, and multi-shift/multi-week plant startups.

• Process Excellence: Create SWIs, process documentation, quality standards, and lead advanced troubleshooting initiatives.

• Technical Leadership: Support facilities during complex failures, identify and manage trusted vendors, and assess and develop technical staff capabilities.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Develop departmental KPIs and use data-based analysis to drive measurable business improvements.

• Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Lead and execute initiatives across:

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Scrap reduction projects
  • Line optimization
  • SMED & Kaizen events
  • Product weight reduction

What You Will Bring

• A strong educational foundation, including either:
• - A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field with 6+ years of engineering experience, or
• - An Associate’s degree with 12+ years of hands-on engineering experience
• 5+ years of supervisory and/or technical leadership experience, with a proven ability to lead teams and influence outcomes
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing production equipment, processes, and materials, with a track record of solving complex manufacturing challenges
• Experience successfully leading large, complex engineering projects from concept through execution
• Advanced technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes, including facilities systems, EPS, plastics (thermoforming and/or injection molding), print, and/or paper operations
• Strong command of engineering science and technology, applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to product and process design
• Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and documentation, including the creation of precision technical plans, models, and process documentation

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.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Skills

N/A

Qualifications

A strong educational foundation, including either:

• - A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field with 6+ years of engineering experience, or
• - An Associate’s degree with 12+ years of hands-on engineering experience
• 5+ years of supervisory and/or technical leadership experience, with a proven ability to lead teams and influence outcomes
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing production equipment, processes, and materials, with a track record of solving complex manufacturing challenges
• Experience successfully leading large, complex engineering projects from concept through execution
• Advanced technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes, including facilities systems, EPS, plastics (thermoforming and/or injection molding), print, and/or paper operations
• Strong command of engineering science and technology, applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to product and process design
• Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and documentation, including the creation of precision technical plans, models, and process documentation

Benefits

N/A

Contact Information

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.