Automation Specialist - Days

Dart Container; Waxahachie (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Weekly pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Dart Container is seeking an Automation Specialist in Waxahachie, TX to install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled systems that drive our operations. You will lead process improvements, work with cross-functional teams, and troubleshoot complex equipment to ensure smooth production.

The role requires an associate degree in automation or equivalent with hands-on experience in automated manufacturing, plus strong PLC and electrical diagram skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in automation or related field with 3 years of automation equipment install/maintenance experience.
• OR high school diploma with 5 years of equipment install/maintenance experience, preferably in automated manufacturing.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, interpreting, and drawing mechanical/electrical diagrams, schematics, and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, test, and troubleshoot complex automated equipment.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and cross-functional team projects.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and controls problems, including non-routine issues.
• Use PLCs for ladder logic and interpret wiring diagrams and schematics for diagnosis.
• Analyze test data, compile documents, and perform calculations to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Read, interpret, draw, and update mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics and drawings.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical diagrams

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

NFPA 70 knowledge

DOE familiarity

Education

Associate's degree in automation

High school diploma + 5 years experience

Tools

PLC hardware

Job description

Requisition ID 127810 - Posted 09/25/2026 - TX - Waxahachie

Join our team as an Automation Specialist!

We are a leading provider in the production of high-quality foodservice packaging solutions known for our commitment to innovation and excellence. As an Automation Specialist with us, you'll play a crucial role in installing, maintaining, and repairing automated machinery and computer-controlled systems that drive our operations forward.

Shift Availability:

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday

Who we are…

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers, ensuring you can enjoy your food and drinks anytime, anywhere!

What we offer…

• Competitive pay: $30.13 - $45.00 per hour, based on experience
• Weekly pay
• Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401K and more!
• Ability to earn pay increases and advancement opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritizes safety
• Approved job-related training and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and paid time off

What you’ll do…

• Support automation projects: Install, maintain, repair, test, and troubleshoot complex automated equipment.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and cross-functional team projects.
• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and controls problems, including non-routine issues.
• Use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for basic and ladder logic, interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and blueprints for diagnosis.
• Analyze test data, compile documents, and perform calculations to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Read, interpret, draw, and update mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical schematics and drawings.

What you’ll need…

Associate’s degree in automation or related field with 3 years of automated manufacturing equipment installation and maintenance experience,

OR high school diploma with 5 years of equipment installation and maintenance experience, preferably in automated manufacturing.

• Proficiency in reading, writing, interpreting, and drawing mechanical and electrical diagrams, schematics, and blueprints.
• Thorough understanding of NFPA 70 Electrical Code.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems, industrial controls, and instrumentation.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), including ability to modify ladder logic, and proficiency in reading and writing wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Familiarity with, or ability to learn various statistical and quality methodologies including but not limited to Statistical Process Control (SPC), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), 5S, 8D, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis, Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R), and Design of Experiments (DOE)

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.