Plant Engineer

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.

While reporting to the Plant Manager the Plant Engineering Manager will lead Engineering Supervisors, ensuring operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and regulatory compliance within our high-speed steel packaging manufacturing facility. This role will play a critical part in maintaining and improving plant processes, tooling systems, and maintenance programs while collaborating with corporate engineering teams and external agencies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and coordinate all plant engineering activities to support production and operational goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor tooling control and change management systems in alignment with corporate engineering standards.
• Prepare budgets and Appropriation for Expenditures (AFEs) for plant projects, authorizing expenditures as needed.
• Maintain open communication with corporate engineering teams to ensure the swift adoption of new developments, standardized methods, and best practices.
• Establish and oversee a robust program for Maintenance & Repair (M&R) and tooling inventory control.
• Serve as the primary liaison with environmental, state, and local agencies, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of external contractors, as well as the plant’s electrical department and machine shop if applicable.
• Develop and maintain line control programming, ensuring optimal machine performance.
• Oversee building and site maintenance, ensuring facilities are well-maintained and compliant with safety standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program to enhance workplace safety.
• Track and analyze project costs and timelines, providing updates to the Plant Manager.
• Coordinate health, safety, and environmental initiatives within the plant, working closely with corporate environmental services teams.
• Serve as the Emergency Coordinator, adhering to corporate emergency response guidelines when required.
• Administer fire protection, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm/evacuation systems to ensure a safe working environment.
• Travel up to 10-15% as needed for corporate meetings, training, or support activities.
  
  

This position is located in our Chestnut Hill, TN facility.

We’d Love To Hear From You If

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field preferred, or equivalent education/work experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment; mechanical and electronic skills are highly desirable.
• Experience in metal forming operations is a plus.
• Strong background in preventive maintenance systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of environmental regulations applicable to manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in managerial best practices, production technology, and equipment specifications.
• Ability to evaluate, modify, and implement engineering techniques to optimize plant performance.
• Experience negotiating with contractors for facility and building maintenance.
  
  

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this role is from $116,160 to $130,680, plus a quarterly target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.

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.