Controls Engineer Manager Jobs in Gaffney, SC (NOW HIRING)

About Sika 

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Broad Function and Purpose of Position: 

The primary function of a Controls Engineer is to implement and provide continued support to the automated processes within our facility. Drive improvements in safety, ergonomics, quality, productivity, and cost reductions in the operations areas. The role heavily focuses on maintaining controls and automation solutions paired with our production equipment. The equipment has a large dependency on programmable logic controls (PLC) and often integrates with other types of equipment that can also involve non-robotic automation. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Engineering & Maintenance Manager with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in fulfilling day-to-day job responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintain equipment in accordance with Sika programs, policies and standards.
• Maintain safe and clean work environment in accordance with Sika Housekeeping policy.
• Manage vendors and contractors to ensure compliance with Sika's health, safety and behavior standards and to monitor progress toward project completion within agreed upon timeframe budget.
• Manage some projects from start to finish including Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) with project budgets, savings, timelines, runoff criteria, status reporting, system implementation, and all other project details.
• Implement changes in existing production processes, equipment and facilities; engineer new processes, to increase output capacity and reduce/eliminate bottlenecks.
• Review new and existing layouts of machines and equipment to obtain optimal performance, recommend and implement changes.
• Identify and conceptualize primarily production systems, at times other forms of automated solutions to drive improvements in safety, ergonomics, quality, productivity, and cost reductions throughout the operations.
• Gather lessons learned and best practices to streamline future projects.
• Program, troubleshoot, and provide support to automated systems, including PLC based controllers, networking solutions and camera vision systems.
• Creates procedures, documentation, routings, and other necessary documentation for the processes.
• Collaborates and communicates cross functionally with all levels of the organization including but not limited to operators, R&D, QA, supply management, and executive management.
• Serve as the technical expert in controls equipment and automation while mentoring and training others in the technical aspects of automation systems.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as needed or directed in support of the Company's automation strategy.
• Ability to be effective working hands on with maintenance and operations employees on the floor and to adjust work schedule times if needed.
• Perform other work and projects as required.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education: Associate's degree in engineering (Electrical, or Electronics) minimum.
• Years Experience: 5+ years' experience in a manufacturing environment. Direct experience with implementing, maintaining, and operating automation, PLCs, and packaging equipment.

Special Requirements/Competencies:

• Must have expert experience in automation, PLCs, HMIs and trouble shooting. (in FBD, STL)
• (Siemens Simatic Manager, TIA Portal preferred)
• Familiar with tension controls of material webs and mixing systems.
• Familiar with replacing and setting up VFDs, tension controls
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and proficiency in computer applications.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA regulations and guidelines and ability to prepare and maintain required documentation.
• Independent worker, with strong organizational skills, who requires minimal supervision.
• Must be willing to learn from local experts and develop improvement plans for control systems.

Perks & Benefits  

• 401k with Generous Company Match   

• Bonuses  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits  

• Paid Parental Leave 

• Life Insurance 

• Disability Insurance 

• Paid time off, Paid holidays 

• Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time 

• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements  

• Education Assistance 

• Professional Development Opportunities  

• Employee Referral Program & More!  

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility. 

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training.  We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.