Automation Controls Engineer

Silgan Plastics•Seymour, IN

About The Position

Silgan Plastics is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join its Manufacturing Engineering and Automation team. The role is responsible for specifying, designing, programming, installing, training, and starting up industrial control systems that support blow molding and auxiliary equipment. The position focuses on automation that reduces end-of-line labor, improves line efficiency and productivity, enhances safety, reduces operational risk, and supports cost-reduction initiatives across manufacturing operations. The Controls Engineer works with engineering, operations, maintenance, and safety teams to deliver scalable, reliable automation solutions. The position includes designing control panels and maintaining related electrical documentation, supporting equipment installations and upgrades, and developing productivity and safety improvements. Travel is required within the continental United States and Canada. The ideal candidate must be able to obtain a passport because travel to a Canadian location may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Three to five years of experience with PLC programming using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation software.
Experience setting up and programming HMIs.
Ability to read, create, and maintain electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and P&IDs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and 2D CAD software such as AutoCAD Electrical or AutoCAD Mechanical.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Continuous improvement mindset.
Willingness to travel and support multiple manufacturing locations.
Ability to obtain a passport for potential travel to the Canadian location.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, such as Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related field.
Working knowledge of Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron PLC/HMI platforms.
Experience with industrial robots such as Yaskawa, Fanuc, Universal Robots, or KUKA.

Responsibilities

Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment.
Develop PLC and HMI programs, primarily using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
Support system start-ups, debugging, and validation at manufacturing sites.
Train operators and maintenance personnel on new and modified systems.
Design control panels, including electrical schematics, bills of materials, and wiring diagrams.
Read, create, and maintain single-line diagrams and P&ID drawings.
Ensure designs meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Identify and implement productivity improvements and workflow optimizations.
Support automation projects to reduce pack labor, improve line efficiency, and enhance product tracking from blow molder to pallet.
Partner with operations on 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 and 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.
Travel within the continental United States and Canada to support multiple manufacturing locations.