Sonoco · 1 month ago
Controls Engineer
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior Level
$70K/yr - $124K/yrSonoco is a multi-billion-dollar global company specializing in products and packaging since 1899. The Controls Engineer will be responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing the control and automation systems at Sonoco’s Paper Mill, working closely with various teams to improve system safety, reliability, and productivity.
ChemicalIndustrialManufacturingPackaging ServicesPlastics and Rubber ManufacturingRecycling
Responsibilities
Acting as project lead for automation and control projects
Utilizing loop sheets, and electrical elementary diagrams for troubleshoot
Using AutoCad top create loop sheets, and electrical elementaries for small control projects
Tuning and evaluating control loop performance and auditing control system performance – X,Y plots of control loops to find failing control devices
Working with engineers, operations management, maintenance personnel, and contractors to develop and meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements on assigned projects
Creating documentation packages for bidding, installation, start-up, and maintenance of control system projects. (scope of work, conduit layouts, cable schedules, connection drawings, bill of materials, preventative maintenance procedures, and required spares)
Providing commissioning and startup support for controls projects
Developing and maintaining a project funnel for automation and control system upgrades
Working with plant process engineers to optimize control system performance
Providing direction to the maintenance team on controls related work orders
Training the maintenance team on new and existing automation and control systems
Troubleshooting alongside the maintenance team during system upsets
Qualification
Required
Graduated from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering
Graduated from a two-year college with an associate degree in electrical engineering and relevant field experience
Experience with PLC programming including ladder logic, function diagrams, and structured text
Experience with AC and DC drives
Experience with control system network interfaces and communications protocols
Experience with HMI configuration and programming
Experience with distributed control systems (DCS) and continuous process controls including field instrumentation and valves
Experience with control system preventative maintenance including software backups
Possess Autocad skills to allow the creation of power plans, single lines, control panel layouts, and electrical control diagrams
Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills
Proven ability to work in a team environment requiring collaboration with all levels of the organization
Preferred
Specific experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley and Siemens is a plus
Specific experience with Yaskawa, Siemens and Rockwell is a plus
Specific experience with ABB and Foxboro is a plus
Experience with Schneider DCS, Voith QCS, and Rockwell Contrologix/CompactLogix PLC's (This could be added to the fourth bullet point)
Benefits
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 to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
Tuition reimbursement
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
Vicki Arthur
SVP/GM Plastics and Protective Solution businesses
John Pontrello
Vice President Operations, Consumer - North America
Recent News
Precedence Research
2025-11-25
Company data provided by crunchbase