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Sonoco Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$102K - $114K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Electromechanic

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$39.83/hr

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 ...

Sonoco information

See Virginia salary details

$28

$36

$42

How much do sonoco jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for sonoco in Virginia is $36.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.85 and $39.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging engineer at Sonoco?

To thrive as a Packaging Engineer at Sonoco, you need a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and packaging design, often supported by a relevant degree such as mechanical or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards like ISTA or ASTM is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication help candidates excel in cross-functional teams and with clients. These skills ensure innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

What is Sonoco?

Sonoco is a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services. Founded in 1899 and headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, Sonoco serves a wide range of industries, including food, beverage, healthcare, and industrial markets. The company is known for its innovative packaging solutions, such as paper-based packaging, rigid plastic containers, and temperature-assured packaging for perishable goods. Sonoco operates in over 30 countries and places a strong emphasis on sustainability and recycling initiatives.

What is the difference between Sonoco vs Packaging Operator?

AspectSonocoPackaging Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, production linesManufacturing or production lines in packaging plants
Industry UsagePackaging, paper, and consumer products industriesPackaging and manufacturing industries
Common Search/ComparisonSonoco vs Packaging Operator

Sonoco is a global packaging company that employs various roles, including Packaging Operators. Packaging Operators work directly on production lines, handling packaging tasks in manufacturing settings. While Sonoco oversees overall operations and management, Packaging Operators focus on the hands-on production process. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, making them common points of comparison for job seekers interested in the packaging industry.

What are the most common challenges faced by employees working in Sonoco’s manufacturing facilities?

Employees in Sonoco’s manufacturing facilities often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, maintaining strict safety and quality standards, and effectively communicating across shifts and teams. Managing machinery and technology updates, as well as adhering to lean manufacturing principles, can also demand continuous learning and flexibility. However, Sonoco provides comprehensive training and encourages collaboration, which helps employees overcome these challenges and contribute to process improvements.
What are popular job titles related to Sonoco jobs in Virginia? For Sonoco jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sonoco jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sonoco job openings:
Infographic showing various Sonoco job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,595 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Electrical Technician

Sonoco

Richmond, VA

$35.51/hr

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

Location: Richmond, VA
Position: Electrical Technician
Pay: $35.51/hr
Shift: Day Shift (1st)

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.

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.

Excellent attendance is crucial for the team to achieve success. You must have a proven record of success in a fast-paced environment. You must be a team player, have great communication skills and be flexible to accomplish the necessary tasks. You must demonstrate ability to maintain accurate records, logs and files in a timely manner. Must possess willingness to learn and develop new skills. You will take pride in your personal hands-on and analytical abilities, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

What you'll be doing:

  • Ensure the integrity and reliability of the plant's electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems.
  • Advanced level of installation, diagnosis, continued calibration, documentation, maintenance and repair of all electrical, instrumentation and control systems.
  • General support of the Electric Shop as required, such as assisting with troubleshooting, call-ins, unscheduled overtime, scheduled and emergency repairs, shutdown and outage work, projects, etc.
  • Planning assistance on specialized equipment or projects.
  • Paper mill and power plant PLC, automation, and controls.
  • Paper mill and power plant DCS / QCS computers and control systems.
  • Paper mill and power plant UPS systems.
  • Paper mill and power plant EPA and DHEC instrumentation PM compliance.
  • Paper mill radiation equipment compliance.
  • Paper mill and power plant instrumentation. This includes flow, level, temperature, pressure transmitters and control elements (valves, actuators, etc.) on steam, condensate, pulp, black liquor, water, etc.
  • Paper machine and power plant AC and DC drives and motor control systems, on low- and medium-voltage equipment. Configure and troubleshoot using local interface and communication software. Examples include paper machine speed and torque drives, power plant feedwater drives, and mill bridge crane drives.
  • Programmable Logic Controllers, including communication software and HMI controls.
  • Paper machine scanners. This includes all gauging sensors (basis weight, caliper, moisture, etc.) and sheet controls (headbox, rewet systems, headbox and vat actuators, steamboxes, etc.).
  • Ignition systems and air fuel ration systems (kiln, boilers, spray farm, etc.).
  • Assistance on paper mill and power plant hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

We'd love to hear from you if:

  • MUST HAVE JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN CARD FOR JOB POSITION
  • Associate Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or minimum 5 years of experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial electrical controls and systems
  • Proficient in computer controls software.
  • PC skills to include all MS Office products.
  • Use and understand the principles of operation of all meters and instruments used in applicable E&I work.
  • Strong knowledge of piping and instrument diagrams, signal flow diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel drawings, one-line drawings, loop sheets and wire lists.
  • Must have good verbal communication skills and be able to effectively communicate with staff, peers, management, customers and vendors.
  • Must be detail oriented, self-starter and able to work with little supervision while maintaining goals/tasks.
  • Must possess sound reasoning skills and be able to multitask and maintain focus while working in high pressure situations.
  • HIGH VOLTAGE experience required.

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