Controls Engineer, Ford Energy

Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford's century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid.

Why Ford Energy?

At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands.

In this position...

As a Controls Engineer, you will be on the ground floor launching a state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. As a key member of our start-up team, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and program the automated systems that bring next-generation energy storage products to the grid. In this critical role, you will:

Optimize with Precision: Provide technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced levels of process control.

Innovate: Apply an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver data-driven controls solutions for battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing lines.

Drive Excellence: Be the go-to technical expert for automation reliability, ensuring the facility operates with the precision required to deliver world-class energy products.

As a Controls Engineer, you will be on the ground floor launching a state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. As a key member of our start-up team, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and program the automated systems that bring next-generation energy storage products to the grid.

What you'll do...

Operational Excellence- Controls & Automation

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery utilizing Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
• Manage the interaction between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers; configure parameters appropriately for varying production loads.
• Support and troubleshoot robotic systems (such as Fanuc), including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Lead fault analysis and root cause identification for complex automation issues to prevent recurrence; identify and rectify electrical component faults.
• Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor/train technicians to enhance the team's overall competence.
• Support feasibility on product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and program backups for automation.

Leadership- Culture

• Embrace the Gemba philosophy: Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where the work happens.
• Remove Barriers: Use Andon data to prioritize efforts to achieve 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Collaborate across functions: Act as a liaison with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System (FPS) and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.

Strategic- Reliability

• Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site builds out battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
• Support new model and equipment launches as required.
• Report out on key metrics around automation performance and equipment reliability.

Capabilities for Success

• Resilient Problem Solver: Able to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to identify root cause quickly.
• Self-Starter: Takes ownership of projects and drives them to completion with limited supervision.
• Strong Communicator: Bridges the gap between shop floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
• Agile Mindset: Comfortable working across shifts and navigating the ambiguity of a startup manufacturing environment.

What you'll do...

Operational Excellence- Controls & Automation

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery utilizing Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
• Manage the interaction between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers; configure parameters appropriately for varying production loads.
• Support and troubleshoot robotic systems (such as Fanuc), including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Lead fault analysis and root cause identification for complex automation issues to prevent recurrence; identify and rectify electrical component faults.
• Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor/train technicians to enhance the team's overall competence.
• Support feasibility on product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and program backups for automation.

Leadership- Culture

• Embrace the Gemba philosophy: Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where the work happens.
• Remove Barriers: Use Andon data to prioritize efforts to achieve 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Collaborate across functions: Act as a liaison with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System (FPS) and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.

Strategic- Reliability

• Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site builds out battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
• Support new model and equipment launches as required.
• Report out on key metrics around automation performance and equipment reliability.

Capabilities for Success

• Resilient Problem Solver: Able to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to identify root cause quickly.
• Self-Starter: Takes ownership of projects and drives them to completion with limited supervision.
• Strong Communicator: Bridges the gap between shop floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
• Agile Mindset: Comfortable working across shifts and navigating the ambiguity of a startup manufacturing environment.