Senior Controls Engineer

SONOCO CANADA; Hartsville (SC); On-site; USD 126,310 - 133,740; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

SONOCO CANADA is looking for a Senior Electrical Engineering Manager - Automation in Hartsville, SC. This role involves leading a team of technicians and designing electrical systems for customized automation solutions. The ideal candidate will also manage change processes and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering and strong leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary package including benefits.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of safety regulations for automation solutions.
• Experience with electrical control system design software (EPLAN preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership in developing skilled technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead Electrical, Controls, and Automation technicians.
• Design electrical systems for automation solutions.
• Manage change management and IP security processes.

Skills

Leadership

PLC and HMI Programming

Electrical Control System Design

Troubleshooting

Creative Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

Studio5000

Maple Systems

Job description

Senior Electrical Engineering Manager - Automation

Location: Hartsville, SC

Responsibilities

• Lead the Electrical, Controls, and Automation technicians, including training, development, and oversight of daily activities.
• Develop and retain talent and develop process standards ensuring consistency and maximizing safety performance.
• Manage the change management process and IP security for all elements of solutions, including drawings, source code, and concepts.
• Actively participate in and lead collaborative brainstorming sessions to conceptualize simple automation solutions for complex problems.
• Design electrical systems for customized automation solutions using EPLAN.
• Support Automation Technicians during panel fabrication, shop testing, installation, and field support.
• Develop reliable PLC programs in the Studio5000 environment 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 teams to ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained.
• Support automated data collection and reliability tracking.
• Create capital project proposals that clearly communicate opportunity and proposed solution.
• Manage automation projects, including supervising in-house, contract, and OEM resources to ensure on-time and on-budget completion.
• Collaborate with internal Supply Management and OEM to generate scopes and/or detailed Performance Statement of Work documents for new assets.
• Actively collaborate with Business Units in Continuous Improvement Effort.

Required Skills

• Solid knowledge of all applicable safety regulations related to controls and automation solutions.
• 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; Maple Systems for HMIs preferred).
• Ignition or similar SCADA system experience is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment problems and performing complex system tests.
• Creative thinking, 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 team members and Sonoco leadership.
• Operates effectively in high-pressure environments.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Controls Engineering or equivalent experience.

Compensation

Annual base salary range: $126,310 to $133,740, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of base salary. Total rewards package includes competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Wellbeing tools and resources including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Optional additional insurance plans: life, personal accident, disability.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sonoco is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits and does 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.