Engineer, Materials & Processes

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.

About the role

Provide technical expertise in a hybrid R&D and Operational Support role for raw materials used in the manufacturing of steel food and aerosol packaging. Effectively communicate with external suppliers and internally with operations, supply chain, planning, sales, and other teams. This position is located at the Columbus Operating Center in Columbus, Ohio and requires 50% travel.

Responsibilities

• Comply with established job safety practices, policies and procedures as specified in plant and corporate directives for the safe performance of the work assignment.
• Manage cost savings opportunities, including but not limited to coating replacement, coating usage optimization, and equipment usage or replacement.
• Manage key technical and strategic projects, including but not limited to quality improvement, regulatory, rationalization, strategic supply, and customer requests.
• Provide ‘Maintenance of Business’ operational support for the ongoing use of commercial materials, including customer complaints, operational challenges, and internal quality assurance, either as an individual contributor or as part of a multi-functional team.
• Understand container specification requirements and utilize this knowledge to assist with sales requests, plant substitutions, engineering projects, and R&D projects.
• Participate in engineering projects involving the use or application of materials such as can coatings, can compounds, sealants, and components for manufacturing paper cans, including:
  • Input for equipment specifications
  • Equipment buy-off
  • Equipment start-up at the final location
  • Operational documentation
• Perform data collection and analysis to support data-driven decisions.
• Create, communicate, and execute project plans and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the following areas:
  • Engineering principles, practices, nomenclature, and procedures
  • Can/end materials and manufacturing processes, container filling, processing, and packaging practices
  • Container expectation/performance
  • Ability to operate and functionally use a computer (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and basic statistics
  • Ability to handle sensitive, related, and proprietary information in a confidential manner
  • Broad understanding of experimentation, including:
    • Scientific Method
    • Variables
    • Defining what is known and supported with data
  • Communication:
    • Written communication – email, reports
    • Oral communication – lead meetings, technical discussions, persuasive presentations
    • Broad audience (technical and non-technical, external and internal contacts)
    • Executive summaries
• Broad training in a related field usually acquired through a college degree or equivalent work experience
• Required: Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other related technical degree
• 50% travel

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is as follows. A higher base salary may be available depending upon experience and qualifications:

• Engineer I: $73,280 - $82,440
• Engineer II: $88,000 - $99,000
• Engineer III: $107,440 - $120,870, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of the base salary
• Engineer IV: $122,320 - $137,610, plus an annual target bonus of 7.5% of the base salary

Benefits

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.

• 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