Process Controls Engineer

Opportunity Profile

Company Name: Confidential Global Paper & Packaging Manufacturer

Location: Catawba, South Carolina (Greater Charlotte Area)

Position Title: Process Controls Engineer

The Opportunity:

This is an opportunity for a Process Controls Engineer to join one of the industry's premier manufacturing operations and play a critical role in the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of a world-class linerboard facility. The organization is seeking an engineer who is passionate about automation, process optimization, and solving complex manufacturing challenges in a highly automated production environment.

The successful candidate will become a key technical resource responsible for developing and implementing automation strategies that improve product quality, reduce downtime, lower operating costs, and enhance overall manufacturing performance. This role offers significant hands-on exposure to process control systems, distributed control systems (DCS), PLC platforms, instrumentation, and plant-wide automation technologies.

What makes this opportunity particularly attractive is the breadth of responsibility and impact. The engineer will not simply maintain existing systems but will actively drive improvements, participate in major projects, support operational excellence initiatives, and work directly with maintenance and operations teams to deliver measurable results. The position provides a platform for a developing controls professional to gain valuable experience within a sophisticated manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced technical leaders.

For an ambitious engineer looking to accelerate their career, this role offers the ability to build deep technical expertise in process automation while directly influencing production performance at a large-scale manufacturing facility. The organization values individuals who are eager to learn, develop their skills, and take ownership of meaningful engineering challenges.

The Company:

The company is a leading manufacturer within the paper and packaging industry, operating large-scale industrial facilities that depend heavily on advanced process controls, automation systems, instrumentation, and manufacturing technology. The Catawba facility is recognized as a highly automated linerboard operation where process control and operational excellence are critical to success.

The organization continues to invest in automation, process improvement, and technology modernization, creating an environment where engineers have the opportunity to work with sophisticated control systems and become key contributors to plant performance and long-term business success. Engineers are given the opportunity to collaborate across operations, maintenance, and engineering functions while developing solutions that create tangible value for the business.

The Boss:

The Process Controls Engineer will work within a leadership team that values technical expertise, operational execution, and continuous improvement. The hiring team is looking for an individual who is motivated to learn, develop, and grow within the organization while contributing practical solutions to daily operational challenges.

The leadership group is focused on finding engineers who can combine technical capability with strong problem-solving skills and collaboration. Successful team members are empowered to work closely with operations and maintenance personnel, take ownership of projects, and build credibility through results.

The Position:

The Process Controls Engineer is responsible for control system configuration, control system monitoring, HMI development, and implementation of control strategies within a world-class linerboard manufacturing facility. The position serves as a critical technical resource supporting automation systems, process improvement initiatives, and manufacturing performance objectives.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Develop and implement automation control strategies that resolve process problems, improve product quality, reduce downtime, and lower operating costs.
• Configure, monitor, and optimize process control systems.
• Develop and maintain human-machine interface (HMI) applications.
• Create and maintain system documentation including control schematics, operational narratives, loop sheets, software backups, and troubleshooting files.
• Provide technical support to maintenance and operations personnel regarding control system issues and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist in directing maintenance, operations, and contract personnel during project implementation and system upgrades.
• Participate in automation projects from design through implementation and startup.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience with ABB 800xA and Honeywell TDC 3000 control systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, GE, or Siemens PLC platforms preferred.
• Experience implementing automation and process control projects.
• Functional knowledge of Windows operating systems, disaster recovery, networking, OSIsoft PI, GE Plant Applications, SQL Server, and VMware.
• Technical knowledge of OPC, Modbus RTU, TCP/IP, and Serial communications protocols.
• Understanding of instrumentation and control loop functionality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and technical curiosity.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Chemical Engineering required.
• Five or more years of related engineering experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience within a process manufacturing environment.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing facility environment with regular exposure to industrial equipment and moving mechanical parts.
• Noise levels may be loud at times.
• Exposure to wet or humid conditions may occur.
• Occasional exposure to elevated work areas, airborne particles, fumes, and vibration.
• Less than 10% travel required.

Compensation:

An attractive and competitive compensation package is offered, including comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to join a stable, industry-leading manufacturing organization committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term employee development.