Automation Controls Engineer

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Ready to take your career to the next level, 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, robotics, vision inspection systems and packaging 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. Position to be located at one of the following locations Seymour IN, Ligonier IN, Deep River CT, Monroe GA, Flora IL, Franklin KY, Penn Yan NY, Ottawa OH, North East PA, Houston TX, Edmonton AB, Delta BC, Scarborough ON, and Woodbridge ON.

• Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs primarily using Allen–Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Integrate robotics and vision systems.
• Support system startups (IQ/OQ/PQ), 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
• Supporting new product initiatives
• Increasing manufacturing capacity
• 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 high‑exposure 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.
• Experience supporting equipment validation activities (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ) within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Effective communication with technical and non‑technical 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. Travel:
May include up to 30% to 50% travel pending on project assignments and home plant location.

Required: High School Diploma

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field)

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming using Allen–Bradley / Rockwell Automation ladder logic software.
• Experience setting up and programming HMIs
  .
• Ability to read, create, and maintain:
• P&IDs
• Proficiency with:
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Project
• 2D CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical / Mechanical)
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.

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

Silgan will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so, would cause undue hardship.

Silgan Plastics 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 Plastics is a drug‑free workplace.