Automation Controls Engineer

Silgan Specialty Packaging; Seymour (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Plastics is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering and Automation team. The role focuses on designing, programming, installing, and starting up industrial control systems for blow molding and related equipment, with an emphasis on reducing labor, improving line efficiency, and enhancing safety.

Responsibilities include PLC/HMI development, system integration, and cross-functional training.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years PLC programming experience in manufacturing.
• Experience setting up and programming HMIs.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and MS Project.
• Willingness to travel within North America.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs using Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Support system start‑ups, debugging, and validation at manufacturing sites.
• Provide operator and maintenance training on new and modified systems.
• Collaborate with operations to deliver scalable automation solutions.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical schematics

Single-line diagrams

P&IDs

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

AutoCAD Electrical

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial) or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms

2D CAD (AutoCAD Electrical/Mechanical)

Job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Silgan Plastics is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering and Automation team. This role is responsible for the specification, design, programming, installation, training and start-up of industrial control systems supporting blow molding and auxiliary equipment. A key focus of this position is the implementation of automation solutions that reduce end of line labor, improve line efficiency and productivity, enhance safety and reduce operational risk, and support cost reduction initiative across manufacturing operations. The Controls Engineer will work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, maintenance, and safety teams to deliver scalable and reliable automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Engineering

• Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs primarily using Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Support system start‑ups, debugging, and validation at manufacturing sites.
• Provide operator and maintenance training on new and modified systems.

Electrical & Panel Design

• Design control panels, including: Electrical schematics
• Bills of materials
• Wiring diagrams

• Read, create, and maintain single‑line diagrams and P&ID drawings .
• Ensure designs meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Productivity, Cost & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement productivity improvements and workflow optimizations.
• Support automation projects aimed at: Reducing pack labor
• Improving line efficiency
• Enhancing product tracking from blow molder to pallet
• Partner with operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Risk Reduction

• Provide engineering, PPE, or training solutions in response to near‑misses or accident reports.
• Support safety‑focused automation and guarding improvements in high‑exposure areas.
• Ensure controls solutions align with Silgan safety standards.

Equipment Support & Development

• Support the design, improvement, and fabrication of internally developed or purchased blow molding and auxiliary equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams during equipment installation and upgrades.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Effective communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Willingness to travel and support multiple manufacturing locations

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires travel within the continental United States and Canada. The ideal candidate must have the ability to obtain a passport as there may be potential travel to our Canadian location.

EDUCATION

Required: High School Diploma
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field)

Experience & Technical Skills

Required (3-5 years)

• PLC programming using Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell Automation software.
• Experience setting up and programming HMIs .
• Ability to read, create, and maintain: Electrical schematics
• Single‑line diagrams
• P&IDs
• Proficiency with: Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Project
• 2D CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical / Mechanical)

Preferred (Not Required)

• Working knowledge of PLC/HMI platforms from Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron .
• Experience with industrial robots such as Yaskawa, Fanuc, Universal Robots, or KUKA .

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER (Non-Canada)

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at‑will" basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER - Canada

The above job description is meant to describ