Job Title:Controls Engineer (Automation, Launch)
Type of Position:This position will begin as a 12-month contract, with strong potential for long-term employment. While the contract is initially set for 12 months, there is no fixed end date, and extensions beyond the initial term are possible. Conversion to a direct hire role may occur as early as 4 months, depending on individual performance and business needs. Although direct hire is not guaranteed, it is a common outcome for high-performing team members, and most contractors in this role do transition to permanent positions over time.
Job Location:Defiance, OH (on site role).
Compensation:$45.00/hr to $50.00/hr (depending on experience) to start. Overtime is paid at 1.5x over 40 hours. There will be a $0.50/hr off-shift premium if working off-shift. Any work on a Sunday (after reaching 40 hours for the week) will be paid at 2.0x (double time).
Benefits:• Available (medical, dental, 401k, vision, etc) - benefit eligibility begins 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• You will have 10 days PTO per year (PTO accrues over time). There will be significantly more PTO in converting to direct hire.
Job Description:HRU Technical Resources has partnered with a major automotive manufacurer to hire a Controls Engineer for its casting and foundry facility in Defiance, OH. The plant manufactures cast components used in automotive powertrain applications and relies on highly automated equipment throughout its production operations.
In this role, the Controls Engineer will support the installation, launch, validation, and continued improvement of automated manufacturing systems. The position works closely with plant engineering, production, maintenance, equipment suppliers, and integrators to ensure new and existing equipment operates safely, reliably, and according to production requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:- Develop, modify, and support PLC and HMI software for automated manufacturing equipment.
- Support automated systems used in casting, foundry, machining, and related material-handling operations.
- Engineer and design electrical wiring diagrams, pneumatic piping diagrams, and hydraulic piping diagrams.
- Design and support electrical control panels and associated control-system hardware.
- Oversee the installation, startup, commissioning, and debugging of new manufacturing equipment.
- Provide controls support during equipment launches and production ramp-up activities.
- Visit local supplier facilities to validate equipment functionality before installation at the plant.
- Verify electrical wiring, controls connections, safety systems, and equipment performance against project requirements.
- Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, Fanuc robots, servo systems, industrial networks, and other automation equipment.
- Support both newly installed equipment and existing plant systems.
- Participate in controls design reviews, project meetings, and equipment-validation activities.
- Work with suppliers and equipment integrators to resolve technical issues and ensure launch readiness.
- Provide technical assistance and training to plant maintenance and production personnel.
- Lead or support safety-related activities during equipment installation, commissioning, and launch.
Skills, Education, Experience Required:- Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering experience within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered.
- Strong hands-on experience programming, modifying, debugging, and troubleshooting PLC systems.
- Experience developing and supporting HMI applications.
- Experience with Fanuc robotic systems.
- Experience supporting automated production equipment in a live manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of industrial networks and upper-level control systems.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical controls, automation hardware, field devices, and equipment communication issues.
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and controls documentation.
- Working knowledge of servo drive hardware and software.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar electrical-design tools.
- Understanding of industrial electrical and machine-safety standards.
- Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions with limited supervision.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with plant teams, suppliers, and equipment integrators.
- A valid driver's license is required.
Skills, Education, Experience Preferred:- Controls engineering experience within a foundry, casting operation, metal-processing facility, machining environment, or similar heavy industrial setting.
- Experience launching or commissioning automated casting, machining, or material-handling equipment.
- Prior automotive manufacturing launch experience.
- Fanuc CNC experience.
- Experience validating supplier-built automation equipment.
- Experience overseeing equipment installation and coordinating technical launch activities.
- Familiarity with the controls and automation challenges associated with foundry, casting, machining, or powertrain-component manufacturing.
- Experience mentoring, training, or providing technical direction to plant personnel.
Work Environment / Other Info:- The role will initially support either 1st or 2nd shift. Off-shift work may begin around September or October as launch and production needs develop. Tentative shift hours are: 1st Shift: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 2nd Shift: 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM, 3rd Shift: 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM. This is subject to change. Ideal candidates will be shift flexible.
- Work will chiefly be Monday to Friday, but there will be weekend work as needed to support launch activities
- There will be occasional travel in this role. Travel will mostly be local to equipment suppliers in and around the Defiance, OH area. As such, a valid driver's license is required.
- Overtime is paid at 1.5x over 40 hours. There will be a $0.50/hr off-shift premium if working off-shift. Any work on a Sunday (after reaching 40 hours for the week) will be paid at 2.0x (double time). Average OT per week is expected to be approximately 5 hours.
- This role will divide time between plant-floor support, equipment installation and launch activities, engineering meetings, and local supplier visits.
- Offer may be contingent upon a background check, drug screen (drug screen would NOT include cannabis), and fit for work physical.
- HRU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to Apply for This Job:To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. We'll get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next you'll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage we'll give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.
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