Automation Controls Engineer

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.

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

• Bills of materials
• Read, create, and maintain single line diagrams and P&.
• Ensure designs meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• 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.

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

• 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.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Effective communication with technical and nontechnical stakeholders
• Willingness to travel and support multiple manufacturing locations

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.

Required: High School Diploma.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field).

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

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

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…