Project Engineer - Extrusion

Sonoco Products Company; Union (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoco Products Company in Union, South Carolina, is seeking a hands-on extrusion process engineer to qualify new extrusion tools, develop manufacturing standards, and continuously improve processes on the plant floor. This role is 100% onsite at the Union (Pinckney) facility with potential travel as needed.

You will collaborate with the quality department, assist with training, and support safety initiatives while driving process improvements, part quality and ROI.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years of plastic process engineering experience in extrusion/injection molding.
• RJG training is a plus.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, SPC and RCA techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work safely in a manufacturing environment following safety procedures.
• Assist in part design reviews with emphasis on DFMEA and GMP.
• Inspect and modify tooling to create a stable production process.
• Assist engineering in transitioning projects to manufacturing.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to improve process, part quality and ROI.
• Provide hands-on support on the production floor including mold troubleshooting, PM and refurbishments.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Implement visual controls and standard work in the department.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to improve safety initiatives.
• Be willing to work extended hours and travel domestically and internationally.

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

Robotics

Injection Molding

Molds

Heat Control Systems

Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Work as a hands‑on engineer to qualify new Extrusion tools/equipment and develop manufacturing standards for NPL. Continuously improve existing processes, products, and systems in a safe and efficient manner to meet and exceed goals for safety, quality, and productivity. This position will collaborate with the quality department in certifying new and existing processes, as well as assist with training and supporting the plant floor as needed. Exceptional communication skills and strong project organization will be key to success.

What you'll be doing:

• Work safely in a manufacturing environment following all plant safety procedures.
• Assist in part design reviews with an emphasis on DFMEA and good manufacturing processes.
• Inspect, sample, and modify new tooling to create a stable process ready for production.
• Assist the engineering team in transitioning new projects to manufacturing.
• Implement continuous improvement projects focused on process, part quality, and efficiency, ensuring a solid ROI.
• Provide hands‑on support to the production floor, including troubleshooting molds, repairs, PM, and refurbishments.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers in a professional manner.
• Implement visual controls and standard work in the department.
• Work with plant leadership to improve safety initiatives.
• Be willing to work extended hours as needed, including domestic and international travel.

This position is located out of our Union (Pinckney) South Carolina facility and 100% onsite

We'd love to hear from you if:

• Education: 4-year Engineering degree preferred; equivalent hands‑on experience considered.
• 5+ years of demonstrable plastic process engineering experience (RJG training a plus).
• Experience with plastics manufacturing, pipe and profile extrusion, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
• Hands‑on experience in plastic extrusion and injection molding processes.
• Mechanical knowledge of process set‑up and molding equipment, including robotics, injection machines, molds, and heat control systems.
• Knowledge of analysis tools: Six Sigma, Control Charting, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone Analysis, Pareto Analysis, SPC.
• Ability to read and interpret technical 2D and 3D drawings.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot practical manufacturing process issues on the shop floor with both state‑of‑the‑art and aged equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interpreting technical procedures, business correspondence, and customer communications.
• Self‑starter, motivated to implement change and improvements with minimal supervision.
• Ability and desire to work hands‑on in a 24/5 plastics manufacturing plant.

Compensation:

• The annual base salary range for this role is from $110,00 to $130,000

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee‑paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.