Technical Project Lead - Innovation & Manufacturing

Sonoco; College Heights (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company 2%

Wellbeing tools and resources

Paid time off and holidays

Life, personal accident, and short/Dis

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sonoco, a global packaging leader, seeks a Technical Engineer III to drive innovation and manage cross-functional technical projects from concept to commercialization in Hartsville, SC. You will work with engineers, scientists, and PMs to design, test, and optimize paper-based products and processes with hands-on prototyping in our R&D facilities.

You’ll utilize Python, Minitab, and Excel for analytics, lead lifecycle activities, and provide data-driven updates to leadership.

Qualifications

• Education: BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or related technical field).
• 5+ years of experience managing technical and/or engineering projects.
• Project management certifications (PMP, PMI, or PMI-PP) are a significant plus.
• Knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus, but passion for innovation is essential.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive Innovation & Product Development.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project managers to design, test, and refine products and processes relating to our paper-based industrial products.
• Be hands-on: work directly in our R&D facilities alongside technicians to prototype and experiment.
• Generate ideas: identify opportunities for growth, material and product design optimization, and productivity initiatives.
• Lead data analytics and project execution: use Python, Minitab, and Excel for deep-dive analytics and informed decisions.
• Own the lifecycle: manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using Planner and other PM tools.
• Keep leadership informed: provide data-driven updates on status, milestones, and alignment.
• Collaborate Across the Business: work cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Marketing to meet market needs.
• Build technical expertise: develop a master-level understanding of our materials and products to fuel innovation.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

Minitab

Excel

Planner

Job description

Sonoco, a global packaging leader, seeks a Technical Engineer III to drive innovation and manage cross-functional technical projects from concept to commercialization in Hartsville, SC. You will work with engineers, scientists, and PMs to design, test, and optimize paper-based products and processes with hands-on prototyping in our R&D facilities.

You’ll utilize Python, Minitab, and Excel for analytics, lead lifecycle activities, and provide data-driven updates to leadership.