Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy‑duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. This opportunity is located in Dexter’s manufacturing engineering facility in Elkhart, IN.

• Commission, program, and troubleshoot industrial robotic systems with a focus on welding applications
• Configure and deploy PLC-based control systems, primarily using Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000
• Integrate robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa) with PLCs, HMIs, and peripheral equipment
• Perform system bring‑up, debug I/O, and validate full machine functionality during commissioning
• Develop, modify, and optimize ladder logic, structured text, and function block programs
• Support weld process setup including torch configuration, seam tracking, and weld parameter tuning
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and robotic faults in real‑time production environments
• Interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings for system troubleshooting
• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement design changes and continuous improvements
• Provide on‑site startup support and customer training for operators and maintenance personnel
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, including lockout/tagout and machine safety circuits
• Maintain detailed documentation including redlines, backups, and commissioning reports
• Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, and support as required
• Program, calibrate, and maintain DC electric torque tools, including parameter setup, tightening strategy configuration, and communication with PLC-based control systems

• Participating in cross‑functional design reviews to establish standard and custom product designs for new product launches
• Developing and communicating manufacturing standards for new product launches, project initiatives, and efficiency improvements to all departments
• Reviewing and approving engineering prints and specifications for optimum manufacturability, cost, tooling, and process structure
• Partnering with the Product Design Team to resolve all engineering and design‑related problems while providing manufacturing input required for cost‑effective designs

• Possess strong team, leadership, and interpersonal skills enabling you to work with the full range of employees at the manufacturing site
• Ability to organize data into presentations for team members and management

• Preferred but not required bachelor’s degree in engineering, or comparable discipline and at least 5+ years related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Electrical / Mechanical / Automation Engineering;
  Electrical / Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent
• Professional
  
  Certifications:
  
  Fanuc, Allen Bradley

• Experience with Fanuc ROBOGUIDE for offline programming and simulation
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for reviewing and modifying electrical schematics and layouts
• Experience with welding power sources and integration (e.g., Lincoln, Miller)
• Familiarity with advanced weld tracking systems (e.g., Through‑Arc Seam Tracking – TAST)
• Knowledge of industrial networks (Ether Net/IP, Device Net, Profi Net)
• Statistical analysis and software (Cpk & Ppk)
• Ignition SCADA Software for process control and data management

• Competitive wage
• Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
• 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
• 401(k) Plan with company contributions
• Opportunities for internal career development and growth

Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.