Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions industrial automation control systems from concept through start-up. This role combines detailed electrical and controls design work with on-site integration, commissioning, and support at manufacturing facilities, with a strong focus on automotive applications and systems integration.

The role combines office-based design work with on-site activities at manufacturing facilities. A portion of responsibilities involves working at a computer to create electrical and controls designs, system map layouts, sequence of operations, drawing packages, PLC logic, HMI screens, and start-up processes. The remainder of the role takes place on customer sites, typically at automotive and industrial manufacturers, performing controls integration, commissioning, start-up, debugging, and rework of automation systems. The work environment includes time on the plant floor around industrial equipment, requiring the ability to climb ladders, walk significant distances, and carry a laptop while inspecting and troubleshooting systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform the complete design of automation control systems, including electrical and controls architecture for industrial applications.
• Review project specifications, internal standards, and industry standard practices to ensure compliance and alignment with customer requirements.
• Develop non-standard control system designs when required by project scope or customer needs.
• Follow internal and customer standards for hardware, software, and documentation throughout the design and implementation process.
• Create system map layouts and define the sequence of operations for automated equipment and processes.
• Develop complete drawing packages, including control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and field device schematics.
• Program PLC logic and design HMI screens to meet functional and operational requirements.
• Specify control panel and field materials by creating detailed electrical bills of materials.
• Assist with installation oversight at customer facilities to ensure proper implementation of designed systems.
• Support system startup and debugging at customer sites, resolving issues and optimizing performance.
• Provide launch and standby support during production ramp-up to ensure reliable operation of control systems.
• Perform system integration activities, including start-up, commissioning, and rework of automation systems.
• Review cycle time studies and dimension switch layouts to validate system performance and ensure design meets production goals.
• Design logic for control systems and smart displays, ensuring clear operator interfaces and reliable functionality.
• Apply knowledge of system architecture, including non-standard materials, control panel power requirements, and power distribution.
• Review and interpret specifications, internal hardwired and logic standards, general specifications, and scope of work documents.
• Assist with installation and debugging activities independently, without requiring additional technical support.
• Collaborate with project teams while also working autonomously to meet project deadlines and quality standards.
• Travel to customer manufacturing facilities for on-site design validation, integration, commissioning, and support.
• Perform physical tasks on job sites, including climbing ladders, walking job sites, and carrying a laptop while inspecting equipment and systems.

Requirements

• Relevant bachelor’s or associate degree in engineering or technology, or equivalent relevant work experience with a technical degree.
• 5+ years of industry experience working for a systems integrator, including control panel and circuit design.
• Hands-on experience with non-standard designs, system map layouts, and sequence of operations for automated systems.
• Experience reviewing cycle time studies and designing dimension switch layouts to meet production requirements.
• Ability to create complete design packages, including design logic, entry logic, and smart display designs.
• Strong knowledge of system architecture, including non-standard material selection, control panel power requirements, and power distribution.
• Ability to review and apply specifications and standard practices, including internal hardwired and logic standards, general specifications, and scope of work.
• Proficiency with RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 5000 for PLC programming.
• Proficiency with RSNetWorx for network configuration and diagnostics.
• Experience with DriveExecutive and related drive configuration tools.
• Ability to assist with installation and debugging independently, without additional technical support.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites as needed.
• Ability to climb a two-story ladder safely.
• Ability to walk a mile in approximately 20 minutes and cover a reasonable distance on foot at job sites.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without difficulty, including while carrying a laptop computer.

Skills

• Experience in automotive manufacturing environments and systems integration.
• Familiarity with Ford NextGen standards.
• Familiarity with GM G12 standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Experience with start-up, commissioning, and rework of complex automation systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot electrical and controls issues under time constraints.
• Effective communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and customer personnel.
• Comfort working autonomously in the field while maintaining alignment with project objectives and standards.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Kansas City, MO. Work may occasionally occur during off-hours or production downtime to support installation and launch activities. Travel to customer manufacturing facilities is required.