Associate Process Engineer

Associate Process Engineer (12-Month Temporary Assignment with Potential for Full-Time Hire)

Are you a recent graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about sustainability, materials science, chemistry, and product innovation? Looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world products used by millions every day?

We're seeking an Associate Process Engineer to join our team in Mason, MI for a 12-month temporary assignment with the potential for full-time employment. This is an exciting opportunity to work on sustainable packaging solutions, collaborate with industry experts, and develop technical expertise in testing, materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.

As an Associate Process Engineer, you'll play a key role in supporting product and process development initiatives focused on sustainability and performance. You'll work closely with laboratories, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and engineers to coordinate testing programs, analyze results, and help drive innovation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate internal and third-party laboratory testing programs
• Manage testing activities, including physical and wet chemistry evaluations
• Arrange, track, and follow through on testing of substrates, materials, and packaging components
• Analyze and document test results and technical findings
• Support sustainable product initiatives, including compostable, biodegradable, and alternative material technologies
• Review technical data sheets and collaborate with suppliers on material performance and specifications
• Assist with bill of material calculations and material composition analysis
• Create and maintain testing parameters and technical documentation within SAP
• Participate in process improvement, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, R&D, and Supplier partners
• Document engineering changes, technical improvements, and standard operating procedures
• Support feasibility studies and continuous improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency, and sustainability

This role provides outstanding exposure to:

• Sustainable packaging technologies
• Compostable and biodegradable materials
• Polymers, paper products, cups, lids, and food service packaging
• Product development and manufacturing processes
• Laboratory testing and data analysis
• SAP systems and engineering documentation
• Supplier collaboration and technical material evaluation
• Cross-functional project management

Recent graduates and early-career professionals with a strong technical foundation and a desire to learn.

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering
• Formulation Science
• Polymer Science Other relevant Science or Engineering disciplines

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interest in materials, sustainability, and product development
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate activities across teams
• Comfortable interpreting technical data and laboratory results
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience with laboratory testing, materials characterization, or manufacturing processes is a plus

This is more than a temporary opportunity. It's a chance to gain valuable experience working on innovative and sustainable products while building relationships across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams.

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.

• 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…