What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plastic Process Technician position at Dart Container?
Plastic Process Technician – Night Shift (Blue Nights)
Shift: 8:00 PM – 8:15 AM (Rotating 3–4 day schedule, including weekends)
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled Plastic Process Technician to support and optimize our manufacturing operations. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for setting up, troubleshooting, and improving plastic processing equipment, including thermoforming, extrusion, and/or injection molding systems.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical and troubleshooting background who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and enjoys working collaboratively to drive efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do
- Set up, start up, and monitor plastic processing equipment (thermoforming, extrusion, and/or injection molding)
- Troubleshoot equipment, process issues, and quality defects in real time
- Adjust machine parameters to optimize production efficiency, product quality, and cycle times
- Perform basic mechanical maintenance and repairs, including work with valves, pumps, and mechanical components
- Support mold/die changes and assist with equipment changeovers
- Identify root causes of downtime and implement corrective actions
- Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability
- Assist in fine-tuning equipment and processes to meet production and quality standards
- Maintain accurate documentation related to process settings, downtime, and maintenance activity
- Follow all safety procedures and support a safe working environment
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- 2 years of experience in plastic processing (thermoforming, extrusion, or injection molding)
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Experience working with production equipment and process adjustments
- Ability to work night shift (12-hour rotating schedule)
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Preferred:
- Experience performing equipment setup and changeovers
- Familiarity with valves, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical systems
- Maintenance experience (preventive or corrective)
- Experience identifying and resolving process-related defects
- Previous experience coaching or supporting less experienced operators
Physical & Work Environment
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8–12 hours)
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs as needed
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, and PPE requirements
Why Join Us?
- Competitive pay, including shift differential for nights
- Opportunity to work with advanced plastic processing equipment
- Career growth into senior technician or maintenance roles
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement
- Hands-on role where your impact on production is visible every day
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.
https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/
If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.
If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.
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Benefits:
Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off