Automation Engineer (Staff Level)

Dart Container•Mason, MI

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Master’s degree with an emphasis in Engineering and ten (10) years of engineering related experience OR 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
Background in Automation Engineering
Strong understanding of manufacturing environment.
Hands‑on experience with troubleshooting automation equipment

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.