Controls Engineer

Job Description Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems.

We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid.

At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands.

As a Controls Engineer, you will be on the ground floor launching a state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. As a key member of our start-up team, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and program the automated systems that bring next-generation energy storage products to the grid. In this critical role, you will:

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery utilizing Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
• Manage the interaction between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers; configure parameters appropriately for varying production loads.
• Support and troubleshoot robotic systems (such as Fanuc), including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Lead fault analysis and root cause identification for complex automation issues to prevent recurrence; identify and rectify electrical component faults.
• Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor/train technicians to enhance the team's overall competence.
• Support feasibility on product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and program backups for automation.

• Embrace the Gemba philosophy:
  Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where the work happens.
• Remove Barriers:
  Use Andon data to prioritize efforts to achieve 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Collaborate across functions:
  Act as a liaison with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System (FPS) and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.

• Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site builds out battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
• Support new model and equipment launches as required.
• Report out on key metrics around automation performance and equipment reliability.

• Resilient Problem Solver:
  Able to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to identify root cause quickly.
• Self-Starter:
  Takes ownership of projects and drives them to completion with limited supervision.
• Strong Communicator:
  Bridges the gap between shop floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
• Agile Mindset:
  Comfortable working across shifts and navigating the ambiguity of a startup manufacturing environment.

• Bachelo…