Lead Machine Operator

Dart Container; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with company matching

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Dart Container is seeking a Lead Machine Operator in Lancaster, PA. The role includes leading floor operations, ensuring safety, quality and production KPIs are met, and coordinating with supervision to optimize resources and schedules.

The ideal candidate will have 1+ year of machine operating experience, a high school diploma or GED, strong leadership, and familiarity with SAP. Expect to work on multiple lines, perform routine maintenance coordination, and support Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of machine operating experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities and ability to lead on the floor.
• Knowledge of operating specialized machines and troubleshooting basics.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Familiarity with SAP and plant software.
• Demonstrated ability to train others on processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Meet KPI targets for safety, quality, production, efficiency and service.
• Lead machine operations across lines and coordinate with supervisor on schedules.
• Audit floor processes and monitor productivity, escalating issues as needed.
• Create and deliver required reports and maintain documentation.
• Support Lean initiatives and root cause analysis for efficiency improvements.
• Setup, calibration, and operation of process equipment as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Machine operation

KPI mastery

Safety & GMP

Blueprint reading

Training others

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

Career Opportunities: Lead Machine Operator (128023)

Requisition ID128023-Posted10/13/2026-PA-Lancaster

Apply advanced machine operating expertise to perform a wide variety of machine operation duties and assist in maintaining department efficiencies at maximum output levels. Work with supervisor and support all assigned personnel and materials, resources and equipment requirements during respective shift. While performing the duties listed below, the lead is required to spend 85% of time on the floor.

Day-to-Day Role:

• Follow and commit to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for safety, quality, production, efficiency, and service requirements
• Follow practices and processes intended to provide safe products that comply with appropriate laws and regulations, meet the company quality standards
• Follow and commit to safety and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Provide lead support over machine operations within the plant that may span multiple departments, production lines, processes and/or technologies
• Audit the floor as required by Leader Standard Work, monitor productivity metrics, verify adherence to procedures and standard work, correct deficiencies and escalates to supervisor as necessary
• Coordinate with supervisor to review and maintain schedules to ensure resources are available to meet schedule. Ensure that accurate information is reported, and the appropriate paperwork is completed and turned in
• Communicate with oncoming shifts about any problems or issues that are occurring. Work with other departments to maintain or improve communications
• Notify supervisor immediately and recommend solutions if there are issues that will prevent achievement of efficiency goals
• Perform processes in SAP as required
• Track and maintain appropriate documentation
• Create, compile, and deliver required reports
• Perform routine duties in support of shift requirements
• Actively support Operational Excellence and effectively participate in lean initiatives
• Complete root cause analysis and recommend solutions
• Recommend work procedures, evaluate experimental procedures, and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency and adaptability to setup and production
• Apply advanced, complex troubleshooting
• May also perform one or more of the following:
  • Set up, start, adjust, test, calibrate, operate, diagnose, troubleshoot and properly shut down process equipment.
  • Set up operators daily to make sure all lines are properly covered.
  • Implement programs to standardize and minimize production changeovers and machine downtime
  • Conduct quality checks, correct deficiencies, and initiate quality audits as necessary
  • Check all products and/or materials in the department to ensure quality product is being produced and appropriate inventory levels are being maintained.
  • Familiar with and able to perform general preventive maintenance on equipment. Notify and collaborate with maintenance department as required.

Core Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate must possess all of the following:

• At least one (1) year of related machine operating experience working in a fast-paced work environment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Knowledge operating specialized machines
• Advanced mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex problems including knowledge of machines and tools, their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret blueprints
• Organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively manage and execute multiple tasks, projects and priorities
• Ability to utilize and train employees on technology, processes and procedures
• Math skills to include simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Familiar with and ability to convert decimals to fractions or vice versa
• Demonstration of minimum proficiency with the English language in order to ensure effective new hire training and on-going communications about safety and quality issues

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Previous plant software experience required; SAP experience
• Prior training experience
• Previous experience in a Lead role
• Processing experience
• Previous powered industrial truck experience

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(800) 545-3278Ext 3370 or email us [e-mail]