Automation Engineer (Staff Level)

Automation Engineer (Staff Level)

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Date: May 23, 2026

Location: Mason, MI, US

Company: Dart Container

Consumer Product -- Packaging Automation Staff Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Packaging Automation Staff Engineer to serve as the organization’s subject matter expert (SME) and technical authority in packaging automation. This individual will lead the development and execution of our long‑term automation strategy, applying advanced engineering and scientific principles to deliver a competitive advantage in safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation.

In this role, you will define the future of packaging automation across the company; shaping system standards, driving major capital programs, and mentoring engineering and operations teams. This position offers significant influence, visibility, with a primary emphasis on developing, owning, and leading the company’s packaging automation strategy and technology roadmap.

Location: Mason, MI; Horse Cave, KY; or Leola, PA

Travel: W ill be up to 50% and additional travel may be required during critical projects or business demands (with flexibility for home time).

What we are looking for...

• Background in Automation Engineering

• Experience in consumer packaging or similar industries - as strong plus!

• Strong understanding of manufacturing environment.

• Hands‑on experience with troubleshooting automation equipment

  What You'll Do....

• Develop, own, and continuously refine the company’s packaging automation strategy, standards, and multi‑year technology roadmap, including robotics, controls, machine vision, conveying, packaging equipment, and digital/IIoT integration.

• Lead long‑term strategic initiatives that enhance operational performance, sustainability, and automation maturity across all sites.

• Lead and manage multiple complex, multi‑site packaging automation programs from concept and feasibility through design, build, commissioning, and production handoff.

• Provide technical leadership for all aspects of system architecture and integration, including: Mechanical, Electrical, Controls/software, Safety systems, Plant network connectivity.

• Ensure solutions are scalable, reliable, and supportable across all manufacturing locations.

• Establish automation performance metrics and governance structures, including KPIs, OEE drivers, quality/throughput measures, and downtime analysis.

• Use data to identify opportunities, quantify return on investment (ROI), and drive business‑impacting improvements.

• Drive innovation through collaboration with Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and EHS.

• Remove technical barriers, facilitate decision‑making, and guide teams toward successful implementation.

• Ensure all automation solutions comply with regulatory, corporate, and industry safety requirements.

• Lead risk assessments and functional safety reviews, including machine guarding, interlocks, safe‑motion protocols, and validation documentation.

• Develop, maintain, and govern technical documentation and best practices: URS/requirements, System and design reviews, Test plans, SOPs, Training materials, Spare parts and preventive maintenance strategies.

• Identify, qualify, and manage strategic automation vendors, integrators, and technology partners.Enable repeatable, high‑quality deployments across facilities.

• Set expectations, review system designs, mitigate risks, and ensure effective knowledge transfer to internal teams.

• Continuously research emerging technologies and trends; lead pilot programs and proof‑of‑concept initiatives to evaluate and standardize promising solutions.

• Mentor and train engineers, technicians, and plant teams in packaging automation processes, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

  What You'll Need...

• Requires one of the following:

• Master’s degree with an emphasis in Engineering and ten (10) years of engineering related experience

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Engineering and fifteen (15) years of engineering related experience

• Advanced knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various products

• Demonstrated mastery in an engineering discipline

• 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 materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of products

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

• Ability to successfully prioritize, and organize long-term, complex research and development projects, deadlines, and tasks in both team and independent environments

• Excellent verbal and written skills necessary to communicate intricate job-related information and clearly explain options and solutions to internal and external customers

• Experience using Microsoft Office, including the ability to create reports, documents, presentations and spreadsheets in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, additional travel may be required during critical projects or business demands

• Work is split between an office environment, lab environment or production facility depending on the project

#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.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance.