Sonoco · 11 hours ago
Automation Engineer
Chesterfield, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Mid LevelSonoco is a company focused on providing technical support in automation and engineering disciplines. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for programming, troubleshooting, and managing automation projects while ensuring the efficient operation of equipment across production sites.
ChemicalIndustrialManufacturingPackaging ServicesPlastics and Rubber ManufacturingRecycling
Responsibilities
Provide technical support to all areas daily across electrical, mechanical and automation disciplines
Configuration and programming of controllers and visualizations systems using Siemens (Simatic Manager and TIA Portal and WinCC flexible software)
Project planning and programming of drive technology and servo drives – with emphasis on SEW Drive as well as Allen Bradley systems
Development, conception, design and creation of hardware / circuit diagrams
Automation troubleshooting following a recognisable troubleshooting process
Experience with bus systems and bus technology such as “Profinet” and “Profibus” with knowledge of systems such as ASI bus and CAN bus
Project Management and Project Coordination of site automation projects
Utilise AutoCad/Cad systems to maintain documentation updates, producing 2D CAD drawings of control panels, P&IDs and electrical wiring diagrams
Provide onsite services to assist in start-up or troubleshooting
Support and lead automation activities at both the Chesterfield and Bradford Production Sites
Develop HMI’s for operator use
Coordinating with cross-functional team(s) to resolve automation issues
Write programs for new designed automatic and semi-automatic machines and conveyor systems for Siemens and Allen Bradley hardware
Debug and test new or modified PLC and robotic programs on the production floor
Conduct comprehensive machine and system testing
Ensure the department operates with due regard to current legislation, company and statutory requirements
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment throughout the site
Installation of production and plant equipment, commissioning, breakdown analysis and repair
Identify areas in which engineering improvements can be made to increase safety, quality, efficiency, or reduce waste
Assist with the training of company apprentices and shift Engineers
Assist with developing operational manuals for newly designed machines and conveyor systems
Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines with emphasis on machine safety
Help refine and develop programming standards and methods
Coordinate with other engineers and programmers on large systems and machines
Maintain and enhance the software and robotics solutions for the two sites
Maintain and document the appropriate software changes and updates to support equipment modifications and continuing operation
Work with Manufacturing/Operations to identify and troubleshoot machine control failures
Specify instrumentation and control hardware for equipment upgrades and future equipment lines
Will keep in line with new technology and advise the site accordingly
Running testing and diagnostics on IT systems to identify potential problem
Identifying and resolving malfunctions within the system
Developing and installing new hardware or software to update and improve the functionality of systems
Liaising with outside suppliers or developers to source the most effective hardware or software for the company’s needs
Creating schematics plans of the system
Building robust backups that can be accessed in the event of system failure
Training shift Engineers and Process Improvement Engineers to work within the systems and to resolve issues on their own
Liaising with operational staff to ensure that systems can Complete designed tasks to
Lead improvement activities/projects across site, covering all equipment and facilities
Qualification
Required
Provide technical support to all areas daily across electrical, mechanical and automation disciplines
Configuration and programming of controllers and visualizations systems using Siemens (Simatic Manager and TIA Portal and WinCC flexible software)
Project planning and programming of drive technology and servo drives – with emphasis on SEW Drive as well as Allen Bradley systems
Development, conception, design and creation of hardware / circuit diagrams
Automation troubleshooting following a recognisable troubleshooting process
Experience with bus systems and bus technology such as 'Profinet' and 'Profibus' with knowledge of systems such as ASI bus and CAN bus
Project Management and Project Coordination of site automation projects
Utilise AutoCad/Cad systems to maintain documentation updates, producing 2D CAD drawings of control panels, P&IDs and electrical wiring diagrams
Provide onsite services to assist in start-up or troubleshooting
Support and lead automation activities at both the Chesterfield and Bradford Production Sites
Develop HMI's for operator use
Coordinating with cross-functional team(s) to resolve automation issues
Write programs for new designed automatic and semi-automatic machines and conveyor systems for Siemens and Allen Bradley hardware
Debug and test new or modified PLC and robotic programs on the production floor
Conduct comprehensive machine and system testing
Ensure the department operates with due regard to current legislation, company and statutory requirements
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment throughout the site
Installation of production and plant equipment, commissioning, breakdown analysis and repair
Identify areas in which engineering improvements can be made to increase safety, quality, efficiency, or reduce waste
Assist with the training of company apprentices and shift Engineers
Assist with developing operational manuals for newly designed machines and conveyor systems
Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines with emphasis on machine safety
Help refine and develop programming standards and methods
Coordinate with other engineers and programmers on large systems and machines
Maintain and enhance the software and robotics solutions for the two sites
Maintain and document the appropriate software changes and updates to support equipment modifications and continuing operation
Work with Manufacturing/Operations to identify and troubleshoot machine control failures
Specify instrumentation and control hardware for equipment upgrades and future equipment lines
Will keep in line with new technology and advise the site accordingly
Running testing and diagnostics on IT systems to identify potential problem
Identifying and resolving malfunctions within the system
Developing and installing new hardware or software to update and improve the functionality of systems
Liaising with outside suppliers or developers to source the most effective hardware or software for the company's needs
Creating schematics plans of the system
Building robust backups that can be accessed in the event of system failure
Training shift Engineers and Process Improvement Engineers to work within the systems and to resolve issues on their own
Liaising with operational staff to ensure that systems can complete designed tasks
Lead improvement activities/projects across site, covering all equipment and facilities
Company
Sonoco
Sonoco is a manufacturer of consumer, industrial, healthcare, and protective packaging.
Founded in 1899
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Sonoco has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2024 (5)
2023 (5)
2022 (7)
2021 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.83B2025-07-15Post Ipo Equity· $30M
2024-09-17Post Ipo Debt· $1.8B
2016-11-07Acquired
Leadership Team
John Pontrello
Senior Vice President Operations, Metal Packaging
Vicki Arthur
SVP/GM Plastics and Protective Solution businesses
Recent News
Precedence Research
2025-11-25
Company data provided by crunchbase