Mechanical Engineer – Product Development & Productivity

Sonoco; Hartsville (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Sonoco in Hartsville, SC is seeking a Technical Engineer III – Key Projects to manage innovative technical projects focused on product and process development. You will collaborate with various cross-functional teams, using analytics tools like Python and Excel.

Ideal candidates have a background in Mechanical Engineering, with at least 5 years of project management experience. This role offers growth opportunities while working to maintain our technology leadership.

The position provides comprehensive medical benefits, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of managing technical and/or engineering projects.
• Proven track record in project management; PMP, PMI or PPM certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of the paper industry is a plus; essential passion for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation and product development through collaboration.
• Manage project timelines from conception to commercialization.
• Provide data-driven updates on project status to leadership.

Skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Data Analytics

Technical Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering

Innovative Thinking

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

Minitab

Excel

Project Management Tools

Job description

Technical Engineer III – Key Projects

Come join our high-impact technology team at Sonoco, a $7.5 b global leader dedicated to transforming our industrial paper converting products and processes. We have a fun and supportive environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded.

The position focuses on managing technical projects related to product and process development, product design optimizations, material optimizations, and supporting our global industrial paper converting businesses. The goal is to maintain and build our technology leadership position. Successful execution of projects, adherence to timelines, and the achievement of technical excellence are essential.

You will lead various technical initiatives, collaborating closely with Global Technology & Engineering and cross‑functional partners in Sales, Operations, Quality, and Marketing to drive results. Continually seeking innovative ways to drive cost and complexity out of our products is a key focus.

Responsibilities include projects from inception to development, all the way to successful commercialization, offering opportunities for growth and variety of work.

What You’ll Be Doing

Drive Innovation & Product Development

• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project managers to design, test, and refine products and processes.
• Work directly in our R&D facilities alongside technicians to prototype and experiment.
• Identify and pitch new opportunities for growth, material and product design optimization, and breakthrough productivity initiatives.

Data Analytics & Project Execution

• Use tools like Python, Minitab, and Excel for deep‑dive analytics to inform technical decisions and identify productivity opportunities.
• Identify projects aimed at improving competitiveness in product designs, materials, or manufacturing processes.
• Manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using Planner and other modern project management tools.
• Provide clear, data‑driven updates on project status, milestones, and strategic alignment to leadership.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Work cross‑functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Marketing to ensure technical solutions meet real‑world market needs.
• Develop a "master‑level" understanding of our materials and products to fuel meaningful innovation.

Qualifications

• Education: A BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or a related technical field).
• Experience: 5+ years of managing technical and/or engineering projects.
• Project Expertise: Proven track record in project management; PMP, PMI, or PPM certifications are a significant plus.
• Technical Savvy: Knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus; passion for innovation is essential.
• Collaborative Mindset: Thrive in a team setting and enjoy creative problem‑solving.

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.

• 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
• Paid time off and holidays to rest, rejuvenate, and care for yourself and family
• 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.