Controls Engineer
About the role
This role focuses on commissioning, retooling, and supporting a 24/7 manufacturing line for vehicle production, with minimal downtime during a three- to six-month project. You will either specialize in Siemens PLC controls engineering or in Fanuc robotics programming, working on short, fast-paced projects that are critical to ongoing production.
Responsibilities
- Program, configure, and maintain Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal to support a 24/7 manufacturing line.
- Commission, troubleshoot, repair, debug, and optimize automation systems to minimize downtime during retooling and production.
- Integrate robotics systems with PLCs to ensure coordinated and reliable operation across the manufacturing line.
- Update and maintain industrial networks so all machines and systems communicate effectively.
- Perform commissioning work involving vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex, ensuring accurate detection and inspection.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams during commissioning and retooling to meet project milestones within short and fast timelines.
- Support shift-based production operations by addressing controls and robotics issues as they arise.
- Document changes, configurations, and programming updates to maintain clear and accurate technical records.
- For robotics-focused roles: develop, modify, and optimize Fanuc robot programs for welding, pick-and-place, and other automated tasks.
- For robotics-focused roles: lead robot programming efforts as a primary responsibility, focusing on advanced motion, sequencing, and integration with vision and PLC systems.
Essential Skills
- Proven experience in PLC programming and controls engineering in an automation or manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal (versions 16, 17, 18, or 19) for programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to integrate robotics systems with PLCs and other automation equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to update and manage industrial networks so all machines communicate reliably.
- Strong troubleshooting, repair, debugging, and system programming skills for complex automation systems.
- Experience commissioning and working with industrial vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.
- For robotics programmer roles: strong expertise in Fanuc robot programming as a primary specialization.
- For robotics programmer roles: demonstrated experience in Fanuc programming integration, including welding and pick-and-place applications.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with tight timelines.
- Willingness to work swing or night shifts as required by project and production schedules.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, robotics, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience working on retooling projects for high-volume or 24/7 manufacturing lines.
- Familiarity with integrating robotics, PLCs, and vision systems into cohesive automation solutions.
- Comfort collaborating with multidisciplinary teams during commissioning and production ramp-up.
- High-level experience in robot programming for candidates focused on Fanuc robotics.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing setting where the primary production line operates 24/7 and supports vehicle production. During commissioning and retooling, the typical shift runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Once the line is in full production, operations follow three shifts: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and you may need to work swing or night shifts. Projects are described as short and fast, offering exposure to critical, high-impact work on modern automation technologies, including Siemens PLCs with TIA Portal, Fanuc robots, and vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $65.00 – $69.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Benefits
- 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)