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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Florence, SC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Hartsville, SC

$83K - $110K/yr

Reporting directly to Sonoco's Manufacturing Automation Engineering Manager, the Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for leading the electrical and controls design effort in Machinery ...

Nuclear Engineer

Scranton, SC

$78K - $94K/yr

... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

Nuclear Engineer

Coward, SC

$79K - $94K/yr

... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Florence, SC salary details

$69.6K

$110.9K

$148.9K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Florence, SC is $110,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Florence, SC? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Florence, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Florence, SC are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Florence, SC with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Florence, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,908 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Sonoco

Hartsville, SC

$83K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Sonoco rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Reporting directly to Sonoco's Manufacturing Automation Engineering Manager, the Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for leading the electrical and controls design effort in Machinery Manufacturing's new facility in Hartsville, SC. They will be responsible for the design, build, integration, installation, and support of innovative controls and automation solutions for high volume, diverse manufacturing technologies for Sonoco's 300 global facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Design electrical and control systems for customized automation solutions using EPLAN.
  • Development of and compliance with process standards that will ensure consistency in the process to include a specific focus on maximizing the safety performance of all solutions.
  • Manage the change management process and IP security for all elements of solutions to include, but not limited to drawings, source code, and concepts.
  • Actively participate in and lead collaborative brainstorming sessions to conceptualize the simplest automation solution for complex problems.
  • Provide support for and assist Automation Technicians during panel fabrication, shop testing, installation, and field support.
  • Develop reliable PLC programs in the Studio5000 environment.
  • Develop intuitive HMI programs.
  • Integrate comprehensive alarms and messaging into PLC and HMI programs.
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting for automated machinery as needed.
  • Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained.
  • Support automated data collection and reliability tracking.
  • Create capital project proposals that clearly communicate the opportunity and proposed solution to Plant, Divisional, and Corporate leadership teams
  • Manage automation projects including supervising in-house, contract, and OEM resources to ensure projects are completed on-time and on-budget.
  • Collaborate with internal Supply Management and OEM to generate general scopes and/or detailed Performance - Statement of Work documents for new assets.
  • Actively collaborate with the Business Units in the Continuous Improvement Effort: Always find a way to keep improving. Maintain a working knowledge of Sonoco's products, processes, and machinery.
  • Directs drafters, designers, and technicians assigned to his projects. Obtains outside resources as required to accomplish project goals.
  • Coordinates projects with other departments as required.
  • Makes branch plant trips or vendor visits as required to accomplish project objectives.
  • Works closely with manufacturing personnel, division managers, marketing, and other disciplines as required.

Required Skills

  • Solid knowledge of all applicable safety regulations related to controls and automation solutions
  • Solid understanding and experience with electrical control system design software (EPLAN preferred)
  • Overseeing lean control panel fabrication process. (leveraging EPLAN Pro Panel or similar)
  • PLC and HMI programming (Studio5000 for PLC and Maple Systems for HMIs preferred)
  • Ignition or similar SCADA system experience is a plus.
  • Solid knowledge of troubleshooting equipment problems and performing complex system tests
  • Creative thinking skills
  • Detail-oriented personality
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with other members of the development team and Sonoco leadership.
  • Operates effectively in high pressure environments.
  • Hands-on

Educational Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Controls Engineering or similar equivalent experience.

Preferred Experience:

Minimum 8-10 Years in Controls and Automation design.

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this role is from $138,320 to $172,900. This position is eligible for a bonus as well.

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

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

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.


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About Sonoco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services. When collaborating with our customers, we leverage our deep knowledge of material science, our i6 Innovation ProcessTM, and our industry-leading packaging and services portfolio to create impactful customized solutions that build stronger brands. We produce packaging for many of the world's most recognized brands, in markets such as appliances and electronics, automotive, beverages, confection, construction, converted paperboard, fresh and natural food, frozen and refrigerated food, shaving, home, lawn and garden, medical/pharmaceutical, pet care, powdered beverages, recycling and snacks. Sonoco's operations consist of our global consumer packaging businesses (rigid paper and closures, flexibles and plastics); our display and packaging division (high-impact retail displays and packaging supply chain management); our industrial businesses (tubes and cores, reels and spools, uncoated recycled paperboard and Sonoco Recycling, one of the world's largest recyclers); and our Protective Solutions division (custom-designed protective, temperature-assurance and retail security packaging solutions and highly engineered components). From our headquarters in Hartsville, S.C., and more than 300 operations in 33 countries, we serve customers in 85 nations.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hartsville, SC, US