Automation Controls Engineer

Overview / Summary

We are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to support manufacturing electrical and controls engineering activities for assembly, machining, tooling, and powertrain equipment. This role will support controls engineering deliverables from simultaneous engineering through program launch, with a strong focus on controls architecture, PLC/CNC programming, automation troubleshooting, and manufacturing systems.

The position is fully onsite and may require travel and off-shift work during peak installation and launch periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assembly and machining controls engineering deliverables from simultaneous engineering through program launch.
• Implement and apply standard software and hardware controls architectures across programs and plants.
• Identify and capture lessons learned and apply them to new programs, strategies, and standards.
• Lead simultaneous engineering meetings with Tier I suppliers and coordinate controls program reviews.
• Participate in management program reviews and represent the controls organization in commodity discussions.
• Drive resolution of controls-related issues involving feasibility, timing, cost, and workload.
• Respond to emergency downtime events.
• Support current program responsibilities and new model program activities.
• Support Powertrain programs across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Travel up to 80% during peak program periods.
• Work off shift as needed during peak program installation and launch periods.
• Engineer and implement hardware and software controls architectures.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC, CNC, robot, vision, and other automation systems.
• Support cell machining systems and integration of CNC controls, gantries, and auxiliary equipment.
• Support assembly and machining RFID systems, including complexity management and QOS strategies.
• Apply problem-solving methods including FMEA, DOE, DMAIC, 5D, and 8D.
• Implement AI models into existing workstreams to improve team efficiency.
• Interact with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT, and plant production teams.
• Support program delivery activities from the cost study phase through launch.
• Apply process engineering knowledge, including GPDS deliverables and consideration of plant operational impacts of controls designs.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Electrical Engineering skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree pursued and received by or before February 2022.
• Experience in controls engineering with the ability to quickly learn and apply controls knowledge.
• Experience with Structured Control Language (SCL), including FC/FB editing and creation.
• Software programming experience with Rockwell and Siemens preferred.
• Direct program experience with assembly, machining, and tooling for Powertrain and Vehicle equipment.
• Validated programming capabilities with Siemens, Schneider, and Bosch PLCs and CNC/Motion control systems.
• Hands-on ability to troubleshoot and resolve PLC, CNC, robot, vision, and other automation issues.
• Experience with cell machining systems and integration of CNC controls, gantries, and auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of assembly and machining RFID systems, including complexity management and QOS strategies.
• Knowledge of international electrical and safety standards, including UL, ISO, and IEC.
• Ability to read and design electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic prints.
• Understanding of communication network architectures and field bus protocols.
• Knowledge of PTME IT standard footprint applications and EP-Operator systems.
• Familiarity with program delivery elements from cost study through launch.
• Manufacturing background with an emphasis on production-related controls experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Experience interacting with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT, and plant production teams.
• One or more years of experience with MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to implement AI models into existing workstreams to improve team efficiency.
• Fully onsite availability.
• Ability to travel up to 80% during peak program periods and work off shift as needed during peak installation and launch periods.
• A minimum of 5 years of implementation experience preferred.

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