Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer will support a Transmission Gear Program by validating, commissioning, and optimizing automated manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on Siemens PLCs, CNC motion control systems, and related automation technologies to ensure equipment capability, reliability, and safety in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

• Validate program capabilities using Siemens PLCs and CNC motion control systems to ensure equipment meets performance and quality requirements.
• Commission new equipment on the manufacturing floor, including setup, integration, and initial run-off.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and associated electrical control systems to resolve issues and improve equipment performance.
• Actively participate in safety sign-offs and support risk assessments to confirm equipment compliance with safety standards and procedures.
• Verify equipment capabilities against specifications and production needs, making recommendations for improvements as needed.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to plan and conduct meetings with Tier I suppliers and integrators.
• Support debugging of automation and motion control software, including vision systems and RFID software where applicable.
• Assist with validation of new equipment, including functional testing, documentation, and sign-off activities.
• Interpret and work from electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic blueprints to support installation, troubleshooting, and modifications.
• Collaborate with robotics and automation teams to integrate CNC and robotic machines into existing processes.
• Use strong computer skills, including MS Office and AutoCAD, to prepare documentation, reports, and technical drawings.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls engineering, and equipment reliability.

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in controls or electrical engineering in an automation or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with new equipment validation, including testing, documentation, and approval processes.
• Proven equipment commissioning experience on manufacturing or industrial automation systems.
• PLC and HMI programming experience, preferably with Siemens platforms.
• Experience working with CNC and/or robotic machines in a production or integration setting.
• Some electrical design experience related to industrial control systems.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in a technical field, such as electrical engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic blueprints and schematics.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and AutoCAD.
• Background in automation, controls engineering, and troubleshooting of electrical and control systems.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, and vision systems in an industrial environment.
• Familiarity with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in automated equipment.
• Experience with equipment validation and commissioning in a manufacturing or integrator setting.

• 10+ years of controls engineering experience, ideally in complex manufacturing or automotive environments.
• Extensive software programming experience, with Siemens-based platforms strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of international electrical and safety standards such as UL, ISO, and IEC.
• Familiarity with internal and external safety processes, including risk assessments, PSS, and coordinated safety procedures.
• Experience with program delivery elements from early cost study phases through launch.
• Extensive knowledge of PTME IT standard footprint applications such as FIS, QLSM, QWX, GPTS, QDAS, OBL, and PDS.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs or integrators on large-scale automation projects.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, robotics, and motion control systems.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams and Tier I suppliers.

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with approximately 50% of the time spent on the production floor and 50% in an office or engineering setting, with the exact balance varying based on project needs. The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday on first shift. The position includes approximately 10–15% travel to Louisville, KY (Kentucky Truck Plant) to support equipment commissioning and related activities.

The work involves close collaboration with automation, robotics, and integrator teams, using technologies such as Siemens PLCs, CNC motion control systems, vision systems, RFID software, and pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, offering opportunities for career advancement and exposure to top-tier automotive manufacturing operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH.

The pay range for this position is $46.06 -…