Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer / Assembly Technician

Job Description

This role supports the Final Assembly Production Engineering department by providing technical and skilled support for assembly equipment and control systems. You will review designs and specifications, support equipment buyoff, oversee installation and commissioning, and ensure reliable start-up of production equipment. The position focuses on delivering high-quality, low-cost, and reliable plant equipment and control systems while collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.

Responsibilities

* Review equipment specifications and designs to ensure they meet safety, quality, and productivity requirements, and identify opportunities for improvement.

* Conduct vendor buyoffs to confirm that equipment functions correctly and aligns with project specifications before shipment and installation.

* Install new equipment and verify that safety, quality, and productivity standards are met during start-up and commissioning.

* Investigate equipment performance to determine necessary modifications, implement changes, and conduct trials and adjustments to optimize operation.

* Reduce project cost and lead time by confirming safety, quality, and productivity at the vendor site prior to installation.

* Minimize adjustment time during vehicle trials by performing thorough quality trials and checks at the vendor location.

* Oversee vendor-led equipment installation on-site and facilitate supporting processes such as kanban to ensure smooth integration into production.

* Improve equipment quality and productivity by implementing adjustments identified during online vehicle trials and production runs.

* Confirm quality results using secondary verification methods such as torque checks, vacuum profiles, and other measurement techniques.

* Install, set up, and troubleshoot program controllers, including Allen-Bradley and other PLC platforms, to ensure reliable control of equipment.

* Develop, modify, and debug PLC programs to support new installations, upgrades, and process improvements.

* Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and automation issues using mechanical and electrical drawings, test equipment, and software tools.

* Provide training and hands-on guidance to maintenance team members on newly implemented equipment, controls, and procedures.

* Share subject matter expertise with local maintenance and production teams, supporting knowledge transfer and continuous improvement.

* Participate in vehicle trials and production ramp-up activities to ensure equipment performs as intended and meets production targets.

* Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production stakeholders to support project planning, execution, and post-installation optimization.

* Travel domestically and internationally, as needed (up to approximately 50% at peak), to vendor sites and manufacturing plants for equipment programming, wiring, inspection, and support.

* Follow established safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and company standards while working on equipment and control systems.

* Work overtime as needed, including some weekends, holidays, and shutdown periods, to support installations, trials, and production schedules.

Essential Skills

* At least 2 years of strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or similar systems.

* Minimum 2 years of comprehensive experience working with PLCs and industrial control systems.

* Comprehensive knowledge of electrical circuits and industrial controls with at least 2 years of hands-on experience.

* Experience in controls engineering, including PLC programming, HMI configuration, and systems engineering for automated equipment.

* Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings for troubleshooting, installation, and design review.

* Proficiency in troubleshooting automation equipment, including electrical, control, and mechanical components.

* Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and industrial automation architectures.

* Understanding of electrical design principles and safe work practices for…