Controls Engineer

Greif offers a great working environment and the opportunity to make an immediate impact at a company where your ideas are always welcome.

Job Requisition #: 032245 Controls Engineer (Open)

Job Description:

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials – and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.

OUR VISION:

Being the best customer service company in the world.

OUR PURPOSE:

Create packaging solutions for life’s essentials.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

A Controls Engineer with a primary focus on process control loops and drive systems that support a 24/7 paper mill. This position is integral to the E/I maintenance and reliability of the control’s equipment from steam generation through finishing. Excellent troubleshooting skills are required for the day-to-day needs of operations. Work will be performed on projects of small and large scope that also includes capital projects. Often leads the work of small project teams and may informally or formally train maintenance technicians. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, solution-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment where uptime, reliability, and continuous improvement are key.

Key Responsibilities:

Control Systems Support & Maintenance

Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize mill-wide control systems, including DCS, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA.

Support legacy control technology while implementing modern upgrades to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Perform routine system backups, patches, and configuration management.

Process Optimization & Reliability

Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and implement process improvements.

Develop and refine control strategies to maximize machine efficiency, reduce variability, and improve product quality.

Monitor control loops and tune systems for stability and performance.

Project Engineering

Lead and support capital and reliability projects involving automation and electrical controls.

Design, program, and commission new control systems and integrations with existing mill technology.

Develop technical specifications for new equipment and system upgrades.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

Provide 24/7 support on critical process controls to minimize downtime.

Diagnose and resolve instrumentation, drives, networking, and automation-related issues.

Train operations and maintenance teams on control systems and best practices.

Compliance & Safety

Ensure compliance with electrical and automation safety standards (NFPA, NEC, OSHA).

Maintain documentation of control systems, wiring diagrams, and change management records.

Drive cybersecurity awareness and support system hardening initiatives.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

3–7+ years of experience in an industrial controls environment, preferably in pulp & paper, heavy process, or continuous manufacturing.

Proficiency with DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., ABB, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell).

Strong knowledge of VFDs, instrumentation, control loops, and process automation.

Familiarity with legacy systems and ability to integrate/transition them with modern platforms.

Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, OPC, etc.).

Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Knowledge and Skills:

Proficiency with DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., ABB, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell).

Strong knowledge of VFDs, instrumentation, control loops, and process automation.

Familiarity with legacy systems and ability to integrate/transition them with modern platforms.

Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, OPC, etc.).

Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Previous exposure to paper machine operations, URB grades, or recycled fiber systems.

Experience with machine safety systems (SIS, interlocks, LOTO).

Knowledge of data historians and manufacturing intelligence tools (e.g., PI, Wonderware).

Familiarity with predictive and preventive maintenance practices.

At Greif, your work has purpose, colleagues care about your well-being, and you have the opportunity to grow and thrive. Service and leadership are the core of everything we do. Our global presence provides us a platform to do good in the world.

Compensation Range: The pay range for this position is $92,500.00 - $157,500.00. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between $110,000.00 to $140,000.00. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short-term incentive.

Benefits Statement: Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, paid time off, and other competitive benefits which are available for eligible colleagues effective day one.

Protect Yourself From Scams: We value the integrity of our recruitment process and prioritize the well-being of our candidates. While you may find Greif job postings on various platforms, all legitimate opportunities can be verified on our official Careers page at All communication from Greif regarding job opportunities will also come from an @greif.com email address. If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting, receive an unsolicited job offer or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact us for verification via this link Contact Us - Greif.

EEO Statement:

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other any other legally protected characteristic.

For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.