Controls Engineer

JJE is a leading global technology supplier in electric drive systems, developing cutting-edge solutions for passenger and commercial vehicles. With a full suite of state-of-the-art technologies in electric motors, power electronics, transmissions, software, and integrated electric drive (3-in-1) systems, JJE delivers the highest quality standards with a “Zero Defect” target. Over the past decade, JJE has delivered tens of thousands of high-quality electric motors or drives globally and provided high-grade services. The company operates engineering and manufacturing facilities in the United States and worldwide.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support, troubleshoot, modify, and improve automated manufacturing systems. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal/PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, fastening systems, vision systems, scanners, servo systems, RFID, and KUKA robotics. The Controls Engineer will provide technical support to production, troubleshoot equipment issues, implement controls modifications, develop new machine functionality, and support continuous improvement projects while maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient production processes.

Responsibilities

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal and Siemens PLCs.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled automated equipment and identify root causes of controls-related issues.
• Modify and develop PLC programs in accordance with engineering standards and best practices.
• Provide timely technical support to production to minimize equipment downtime and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Document troubleshooting activities, changes made, and corrective actions.
• Support production trials, equipment start-up, commissioning, and validation.
• Be available for occasional overtime and off-shift support when required by production needs.
• Add and integrate new equipment and fixtures into existing automation systems, including:
  • Vision systems
  • Barcode/Data Matrix scanners
  • RFID systems
  • Fastening controllers
  • Servo motors and drives
  • Sensors and other automation devices
• Troubleshoot PLC I/O, communication networks, sensors, actuators, and machine sequences.
• Verify PLC programs, electrical schematics, and machine documentation before implementing modifications.
• Maintain accurate PLC backups and controls documentation.
• Modify and develop HMI screens, including creating and modifying buttons, status indicators, alarms, messages, and operator controls.
• Troubleshoot HMI/PLC communication and operator interface issues.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial Ethernet/PROFINET networks and communication between:
  • PLCs
  • HMIs
  • Robots
  • Vision systems
  • Scanners
  • Fastening controllers
  • Servo drives
  • RFID systems
  • Remote I/O
  • Industrial PCs
• Diagnose network communication failures and determine whether the issue is related to hardware, cabling, configuration, IP addressing, or software.
• Troubleshoot Bosch Rexroth fastening controllers and fastening-process issues, identifying root causes.
• Set up and configure new fastening sequences and process steps.
• Modify existing fastening programs and parameters as required.
• Integrate fastening controllers with PLC systems and troubleshoot communication between them.
• Support implementation of new fastening applications, including screw/bolt sequencing and OK/NOK verification.
• Troubleshoot and support industrial vision systems and process cameras, configuring and modifying vision inspections as required.
• Support integration of cameras/scanners with PLC-controlled processes.
• Troubleshoot RFID readers, tags, communication, and PLC integration.
• Support RFID-based part identification and traceability systems.
• Troubleshoot KUKA robot faults and production-related issues.
• Adjust, verify, and teach new robot positions and movements.
• Support robot-to-PLC communication and interlocks.
• Verify robot paths and movements to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Support implementation of new fixtures, tooling, and robot applications.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine reliability, cycle time, quality, safety, and productivity.
• Develop and implement controls improvements on existing assembly lines.
• Participate in equipment commissioning and machine acceptance.
• Review and improve existing PLC programs, HMI screens, and automation sequences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of Siemens TIA Portal/PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens S7-1200/S7-1500 PLCs.
• Experience developing and modifying Siemens HMI/WinCC screens and functions.
• Ability to troubleshoot and modify industrial automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking, Ethernet, and PROFINET.
• Ability to troubleshoot network communication between PLCs, HMIs, robots, scanners, vision systems, fastening controllers, and other automation devices.
• Experience or familiarity with Bosch Rexroth fastening systems.
• Experience with MES and production traceability systems.
• Familiarity with KUKA robots and RFID systems.
• Experience integrating vision systems, scanners, fastening controllers, servo systems, and other automation equipment.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Alternating between sitting and standing.
• Climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, or ramps.
• Crouching/stooping.
• Driving.
• Near/far visual acuity and fine/gross motor manipulation.
• Hearing and keyboarding.
• Kneeling, lifting/carrying, and moving objects.
• Pushing or pulling.
• Reaching overhead or below.
• Repetitive task performance.
• Sitting, speaking, standing, and using foot or leg controls.
• Walking.

Environmental & Cognitive Requirements

• Production facility is climate-controlled with no long-term exposure to dangerously loud noise or extreme temperatures.
• Cognitive abilities include executing tasks independently, learning and/or memorizing tasks, maintaining concentration/focus on tasks, and working in close proximity to others.

Benefits

• Competitive wages.
• Excellent benefits.
• 401k with employer match.
• Flexible schedules.
• Clean, temperature-controlled production facility.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of application and must be able to provide valid proof documents if hired. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.