Job Description
Job Title: Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineer
Location: Watertown, CT
Duration: Direct Hire Onsite
Salary: $90-100K DOE plus 5% Bonus and Excellent Benefits
Location: Watertown, CT
Duration: Direct Hire Onsite
Salary: $90-100K DOE plus 5% Bonus and Excellent Benefits
Position Summary
The Controls & Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for providing a combination of manufacturing engineering and electrical controls engineering support for new production equipment and manufacturing operations. This role ensures world-class products are delivered through continuous improvement of equipment, processes, and production systems.
The ideal candidate will work independently with minimal supervision, utilizing strong technical expertise, project management skills, and organizational abilities. This position serves as a technical specialist, collaborating across all levels of the organization to improve efficiency, troubleshoot programming and mechanical issues, reduce equipment downtime, and enhance manufacturing performance.
Essential Responsibilities
-Manufacturing & Equipment Engineering
- Assist new product development teams in determining equipment requirements and cost estimates for machinery built internally or by external suppliers.
- Ensure compliance with established machine specifications for new equipment acquisitions and retrofit projects.
- Design, develop, test, source, justify, and install tooling, fixtures, machinery, equipment modifications, and production devices to improve safety, throughput, quality, capacity, and reliability.
- Manage projects from concept through evaluation, justification, procurement, implementation, and validation.
- Lead engineering projects by creating project timelines, designing control systems, developing schematics, ordering components, programming equipment, debugging systems, and providing post-launch support.
- Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
-Controls Engineering
- Design, develop, debug, and validate control systems including electrical, PLC, hydraulic, pneumatic, servo, and HMI systems.
- Integrate vision inspection systems, process monitoring tools, servo controls, mechanical inspection devices, and other technologies into new and existing equipment.
- Generate and implement standards and best practices for machine design, programming logic, and manufacturing processes.
- Maintain complete and current documentation for control systems and machine programming.
- Review and optimize existing control logic to improve safety, efficiency, and error-proofing.
- Support a diverse portfolio of manufacturing processes and controls hardware.
-Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Support
- Champion innovative manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System concepts, FMEA methodologies, and Control Plan practices to engineering projects.
- Lead and coordinate continuous improvement projects focused on safety, productivity, quality, reliability, capacity, and process optimization.
- Work closely with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and Quality teams to troubleshoot equipment issues and improve manufacturing processes.
- Ensure manufacturing practices remain current, consistent, and compliant with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
-Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide oversight and direction to external contractors, including electrical, mechanical, and controls programming specialists.
- Ensure proper training and technical guidance are provided to production personnel.
- Partner with Safety teams to ensure equipment, controls, and processes meet ergonomic and workplace safety standards.
- Demonstrate a leadership mindset by holding self and team members accountable for high standards and successful project execution.
- Foster collaboration and effective communication across departments and functions.
Qualifications
-Education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
-Experience
- Minimum of three years of manufacturing engineering, electrical controls engineering, industrial engineering, or related experience.
- Experience in manufacturing, quality, safety, and project management environments required.
-Controls Systems Experience
- Allen-Bradley PLCs, Kinetix Motion Controls, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk Studio.
- GE PLCs utilizing Proficy Machine Edition software.
- Siemens PLCs.
- Robotics integration and automation systems.
- Ladder logic programming.
-Preferred Technical Experience
- SQL databases, database structures, and data collection systems.
- Plant/facilities engineering, electronics, pneumatics, and engineering controls.
- Tooling, fixture, and gage design.
- CAD software including NX and AutoCAD.
- Equipment development and automation projects.
- Python, Visual Basic (VBA), Ignition, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- DirectLogic PLCs and DirectSoft programming software.
- FANUC, ABB, and Universal Robots (UR) robotics.
- Cognex vision systems.
-Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing methodologies including:
- 5S
- Kaizen
- Kanban
- Poka-Yoke
- Process Mapping
- Value Stream Mapping
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities utilizing tools such as:
- Six Sigma
- Design of Experiments (DOE)
- 8D Problem Solving
- 5 Why Analysis
- Shainin Methods
- Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools including:
- FMEA
- Control Plans
- PPAP
- MSA
- SPC
- Experience with ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 standards preferred.
-Key Competencies
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and self-initiate tasks.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to lead and influence others.
- Mechatronics experience and a passion for automation and technology.
- Ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
-Physical Requirements & Additional Information
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required.
- Flexibility to work staggered schedules or second shift when necessary.
Company Overview
Top Prospect Group, now part of HW Staffing Solutions, focuses on connecting high-quality candidates with top-tier clients. We offer expertise across multiple industries, ensuring that we meet and exceed staffing expectations.
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Numbers & Facts
| Location | Watertown, CT |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Company Size | 20 to 49 employees |
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Website | http://www.topprospectgroup.com/ |
About Company
Top Prospect Group founders and management team offer more than 75 years of combined experience in Information Technology, Creative & Marketing, and Finance & Accounting staffing and solutions. Our fundamental goal is to build successful relationships resulting in accurate job and prospect representations. We meet with those we work with face-to-face to garner a better understanding of candidate or client requirements. By leveraging our experience and market insight, we are able to provide a more consistent recruitment process. Motivated by a partnership philosophy, our staff possesses a deep understanding of how to forge mutually beneficial long-term relationships. We believe in what we do and continuously strive for excellence.