Senior Project Engineer

Work as a hands‑on engineer to assist in developing quotes, interface with external customers to define the scope of customer requirements, and work directly with Division Engineering and external Mold shops to develop new opportunities.

Work with equipment suppliers to source new equipment in accordance with Sonoco Standards. Continuously improve existing processes, products, and systems to meet safety, quality, and productivity goals.

Manage facility infrastructure, assets, and oversee environmental compliance. Collaborate with the quality department to certify new and existing processes, assist in training, and support plant floor operations.

Exceptional communication skills and project organization are essential to success.

• Work safely in a manufacturing environment, following all plant safety procedures.
• Work directly with end‑use customers to define and execute on new opportunities, including part design, design for manufacturing, and DFMEA.
• Specify, purchase, track, and control new equipment purchases such as tools, machines, and automation.
• Lead a cross‑functional team through NPL.
• Propose and lead continuous‑improvement projects on the production floor with a solid return on investment.
• Assist the production floor in daily operations, including mold troubleshooting, repairs, PM, and refurbishments.
• Communicate with internal and external customers professionally.
• Implement visual controls and standard work in the department.
• Work with plant and management to improve safety initiatives.
• Work necessary hours to complete objectives, including extended travel (domestic and international).
• Support high‑level Cap Ex installs and manage plant infrastructure, maintenance, and environmental compliance.
• Oversee capital projects > $2MM or multiple smaller projects simultaneously, from capital package preparation to equipment procurement, installation, and startup, in accordance with Sonoco and OSHA standards.

• Education:
  
  4‑year Engineering degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience:
  
  8 years of hands‑on plastic project engineering; preferred 10 years of process and project engineering in a plastics plant.
• Mechanical knowledge and aptitude for plastic processing equipment (injection molding machines, secondary equipment, automation, conveyance, utilities, packaging).
• Proficiency with analysis tools:
  Six Sigma, control charting, root‑cause analysis, fishbone analysis, Pareto analysis, SPC.
• Ability to read and understand 2‑D and 3‑D technical drawings.
• Solid analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to identify and solve practical manufacturing process problems on the shop floor with both modern and aged equipment.
• Understanding of current and future injection‑molding industry production states.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work hands‑on in a 24‑hour, 5‑day‑a‑week plastics plant.
• Self‑starter: motivated to pursue change, implement improvements, and document success independently.

• Plant Process Engineer
  
  I: $73,280–$82,440
• Plant Process Engineer
  
  II: $92,800–$104,400, plus quarterly target bonus of 7.5% of base salary
• Plant Process Engineer
  
  III: $104,800–$117,900, plus quarterly target bonus of 7.5% of base salary
• Senior Plant Process Engineer: $113,840–$128,070, plus quarterly target bonus of 7.5% of base salary

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Well‑being tools and resources, including an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company‑paid and voluntary insurance plans (life, personal accident, disability)
• Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and strictly prohibit discrimination against employees, applicants, or any covered person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.