Technical Manager – Project, PLC Automation & Controls

Technical Manager – Project, Automation & Controls

Hood Container Packaging Solutions | Rural Hall, NC

Why You'll Love This Role

Do you like seeing your controls work on the production floor? At Hood Container Packaging Solutions in Rural Hall, you'll own the automation that keeps our lines running, from the design review through installation and commissioning to ramp-up. You'll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and equipment vendors. Your work will directly affect how fast and how reliably we get product out the door.

What You'll Do

• Support, program, and troubleshoot automated equipment and controls systems.
• Lead assigned project tasks, track progress against published schedules, and update Operations and Engineering leadership on status.
• Take part in equipment design reviews, FAT, installation, commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQ, and production ramp-up. You'll work alongside vendors and colleagues to make sure each launch is sustainable.
• Partner with Process and Quality Engineering to run protocols and collect validation data for investigations, corrective actions, and improvements.
• Analyze line running conditions and recommend actions to meet production ramp goals.
• Update mechanical and electrical drawings when equipment is modified.
• Support reviews of documents such as Job Safety Analyses (JSA) and Preventative Maintenance (PM) plans.
• Contribute to CAPAs and follow our change management process (e.g., ECO, CR).

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of automation and controls experience in a manufacturing, packaging, or warehouse environment. Experience in a regulated industry (medical device, pharma, aerospace, automotive) is preferred.
• Project engineering or project management fundamentals, including clear, confident communication with leadership.
• Hands-on experience with equipment design reviews, FAT, commissioning, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Familiarity with CAPA and change management processes.

Preferred technical experience:

• Allen-Bradley controls (PLCs, servo drives)
• Cognex vision inspection systems
• Industrial marking or etching systems (e.g., Domino, Zebra, Keyence, Markem)
• EtherNet/IP and TCP communication

Here's why you'll love working at Hood Container:

• Competitive pay & benefits: We offer a competitive base salary, an annual bonus program, and a comprehensive benefits package to keep you healthy and happy. Check out more detailed information on our benefits via www.hoodcontainer.com/benefits 
• Continuous learning: We invest in paid training and development to help you grow your skills and advance your career and ability to be mentored by industry experts. 
• Caring & Empowering Company Culture: Supportive & collaborative team dedicated to seeing you unbox your potential to help make a difference & make customers happy.

To learn more check us out at www.hoodcontainer.com or on Social Media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube).