New

Automation Technician - Sonoco Automation & Training Center

Sonoco Products Company
paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Alabama, Hartselle
Jul 22, 2025
Position: Automation Technician Pay Rate: $32.60 - $40.45 Location: Sonoco - Hartselle Campus Automation & Training Center 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. Over the past 5 years, the Reels & Plugs Division of Sonoco Products Company has placed special emphasis on developing our technical team and ramping up our Automation Strategy. Over this period annual capital investment has more than tripled. Our Automation Team supports 5 manufacturing locations with three of them in the Hartselle, AL including the largest and most advanced Nailwood Reel manufacturing plant in the US. In 2020 we manufactured 907 unique products at this plant. Due to the complexity needed to manufacture this many unique products and the need to internalize our Intellectual Property, we have moved most of our equipment development and integration in-house. We have recently built an Automation and Training Center dedicated to the development of new technology. The Automation Technician will be based in Hartselle, AL with the rest of our Automation Team. This role will play a critical role fabricating parts, assembling equipment, assembling electrical panels, testing, and supporting the startup of advanced manufacturing equipment. Unlike a typical OEM, we do not just make equipment. We are part of the organization that uses the equipment to manufacture a product. This puts us in a uniquely qualified position for continuous improvement. This role will be expected to make observations to identify opportunities for improvement in our processes and equipment (both old and new). They will be expected to develop positive working relationships with production personnel to be able to effectively solicit feedback on projects, collaborate to come up with new ideas, and provide training during equipment startup. The Automation Technician will also be expected to troubleshooting support on complicated breakdowns. Responsibilities Drive Continuous Improvement by assessing plant processes and identify opportunity for process and automation opportunities to drive down unit cost Fabricated simple and complex mechanical components Assemble machinery Build and test electrical control systems Support maintenance team with advanced mechanical troubleshooting opportunities and identifying opportunities for value adding improvements. Identify improvements to make parts easier to manufacture and provide feedback to engineers Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained. Required Skills Solid understanding and experience with fabrication methods like drilling, tapping, welding, grinding cutting & machining, Proficient with powered and manual hand tools Experience and/or proven ability to learn how to use shop equipment like plasma cutters, drills, mills, lathes, CNC, brake press, etc. Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests Creative thinking skills Detail-oriented personality Continuous Improvement mindset Ability to define problems, collect data when necessary, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions Ability to communicate well and build strong professional relationships with others Thrive under pressure Educational Requirements Associates or Bachelors in a hands-on technical related field. Advanced Manufacturing Technician or similar. Location Sonoco - Hartselle Campus Automation & Training Center 1901 John D Long Dr SE Hartselle, AL 35640-6000 Why You'll Like Working With US: We care about YOU through employee development, providing excellent benefits, investing in your future and valuing diversity and inclusion. 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.