Senior Controls Engineer

About the Role Reporting directly to Sonoco’s Manufacturing Automation Engineering Manager, the Senior Electrical Engineering Manager will be responsible for leading the electrical and controls group in Machinery Manufacturing’s new facility in Hartsville, SC. What You'll Do

• Lead the Electrical, Controls, and Automation technicians to include training and day-to-day oversight.
• Develop and retain talent; establish process standards focused on safety performance.
• Manage the change management process and IP security for all elements (drawings, source code, concepts).
• Actively participate in and lead collaborative brainstorming sessions to conceptualize the simplest automation solution for complex problems.
• Design electrical systems for customized automation solutions using EPLAN.
• Provide support for Automation Technicians during panel fabrication, shop testing, installation, and field support.
• Develop reliable PLC programs in Studio5000 and intuitive HMI programs.
• Integrate comprehensive alarms and messaging into PLC and HMI programs.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting for automated machinery as needed.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained.
• Support automated data collection and reliability tracking.
• Create capital project proposals that clearly communicate the opportunity and proposed solution to Plant, Divisional, and Corporate leadership teams.
• Manage automation projects including supervising in-house, contract, and OEM resources to ensure projects are completed on-time and on-budget.
• Collaborate with internal Supply Management and OEM to generate general scopes and/or detailed Performance – Statement of Work documents for new assets.
• Actively collaborate with the Business Units in the Continuous Improvement Effort: Always find a way to keep improving. What We're Looking For
• Solid knowledge of safety regulations related to controls and automation solutions.
• Solid understanding and experience with electrical control system design software (EPLAN preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership and development of highly skilled controls and automation technicians.
• Overseeing lean control panel fabrication process (leveraging EPLAN Pro Panel or similar).
• PLC and HMI programming (Studio5000 for PLC and Maple Systems for HMIs preferred).
• Troubleshooting equipment problems and performing complex system tests.
• Creative thinking skills.
• Detail-oriented personality.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with other members of the development team and Sonoco leadership.
• Operates effectively in high pressure environments.
• Hands-on. Nice to Have
• Ignition or similar SCADA system experience is a plus. Compensation & Benefits
• The annual base salary range for this role is from $126,310 to $133,740, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of base salary.
• 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 resources; Employee Assistance Program; paid time off and holidays.