CTS Engineer

Sonoco Products Co.; Parma; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoco Products Co. is seeking a Customer Technical Services Engineer to support customers and manufacturing plants in seaming and capping technologies.

You will perform maintenance, overhauls and changes, while conducting line validations and customer trials to ensure optimal equipment performance and product quality. The role requires strong problem-solving, communication with customers and cross-functional teams, and willingness to travel extensively to customer sites to deliver high quality

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, packaging equipment, food processing, metal packaging or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working directly with customers is an advantage.
• Experience with seaming and/or capping equipment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to customers and manufacturing plants in seaming and capping technologies.
• Carry out maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment, setup and change-over activities on seamers, cappers and related equipment.
• Perform customer visits for equipment installation support, line validation, process optimization and qualification trials.
• Conduct troubleshooting at customer sites, diagnose faults, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Evaluate seam and closure performance using inspection methods and equipment including double seam analysis and closure checks.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading technical drawings

Autonomy

Communication

Education

Mechanical/Electromechanical Engineering degree

Tools

TMI software

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Position Summary: The Customer Technical Services (CTS) Engineer provides technical support to customers and manufacturing plants in the areas of seaming and capping technologies. The role involves maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment overhauls, customer trials, line installation and validations and technical problem resolution. The CTS Engineer works closely with customers, production teams and CTS colleagues to ensure optimal equipment performance, product quality and customer satisfaction while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Key Activities / Measurables

• Ensure strict compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements, machine safety regulations, and customer site safety procedures.
• Carry out maintenance, overhaul, refurbishment, setup and change-over activities on seamers, cappers and related equipment, both in the workshop and at customer sites.
• Perform customer visits for equipment installation support, line validation, process optimization and qualification trials.
• Conduct troubleshooting activities at customer sites, including fault diagnosis, root cause identification and implementation of corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Evaluate seam and closure performance using approved inspection methods and equipment, including double seam analysis and closure integrity checks.
• Prepare equipment, spare parts, tooling and documentation required for customer visits, trials and service interventions.
• Collect product and process data during customer visits and prepare clear technical reports including findings, recommendations and follow-up actions.
• Provide technical support to customers and manufacturing sites regarding seaming, capping and related packaging processes.
• Support manufacturing plants and customers in the investigation and resolution of quality issues, customer complaints and process deviations through root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Assist in the implementation of new products, downgauging projects, standardization initiatives and process improvement programs.
• Perform remote technical support activities, including analysis of seaming data and DSM (Double Seam Monitoring) systems.
• Maintain accurate service records, technical reports and activity tracking in the CTS reporting and time management systems.
• Develop and deliver basic operator and maintenance training on seaming and capping equipment when required.
• Generate unique competitive insights through direct, on-site observation of competitors.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of seaming and capping equipment.
• Ability to read technical drawings and mechanical documentation.
• Strong autonomy, flexibility, and willingness to work variable hours.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to troubleshooting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-oriented mindset.
• Ability to prepare, maintain, and update technical documentation and service reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Basic English communication skills (written and spoken).
• Valid driving license and willingness to travel extensively.

Desirable

• Experience with double seam inspection and evaluation.
• Experience using TMI software.
• Experience with sterilization processes and food canning operations.
• Basic understanding of machine controls and automation systems.
• Experience within the metal packaging industry.

Personal Attributes

• Customer-focused with a strong service mentality.
• Hands-on and practical approach to technical challenges.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic customer environment.
• Professional and reliable when representing Sonoco at customer sites.
• Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn new technologies.

Education Required

Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Education Preferred

Additional training related to seaming, capping, packaging technologies, industrial maintenance or quality systems.

Experience

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, packaging equipment, food processing, metal packaging or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working directly with customers is an advantage.
• Experience with seaming and/or capping equipment is highly desirable.

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.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and fiber consumer and industrial packaging. The Company is now a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with approximately 22,500 employees working in 270 operations in 40 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands. Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future. Sonoco was proudly named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek.