Technical Engineer III – Key Projects

About the Role Technical Engineer III – Key Projects is a technical leadership role at Sonoco focused on managing technical projects related to product and process development, product design optimization, and material optimization for our paper-based industrial products. The role emphasizes driving innovation, meeting timelines, and delivering technical excellence across cross-functional teams. What You'll Do

• 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 bring concepts to life through prototyping and experimentation.

• Generate Ideas: Identify and pitch new opportunities for growth, material and product design optimization, and breakthrough productivity initiatives.

• Data Analytics & Project Execution

• Lead with Data: Use tools like Python, Minitab, and Excel to perform deep-dive analytics and to make informed technical decisions and to identify productivity opportunities. Identify projects aimed at making us more competitive on our product designs, materials, or manufacturing processes.

• Own the Lifecycle: Manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using Planner and other modern project management tools.

• Keep Leadership Informed: Provide clear, data-driven updates on project status, milestones, and strategic alignment.

• Collaborate Across the Business

• Bridge the Gaps: Work cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Marketing to identify opportunities and needs as well as to ensure technical solutions meet real-world market needs.

• Build Technical Expertise: Develop a master-level understanding of our materials and products using that depth of knowledge to fuel meaningful innovation. What We're Looking For

• Education: A BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience managing technical and/or engineering projects.

• Project Expertise: PMP, PMI, or PPM certifications are a significant plus.

• Technical Savvy: Knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus, but a passion for innovation is essential.

• Collaborative Mindset: You thrive in a team setting and enjoy an environment that rewards creative problem solving and meaningful innovation. Nice to Have

• Knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus. Compensation & Benefits

• Benefits include 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 Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.

• Tuition reimbursement.