Controls Engineer - Body

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

Slate is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer – Body to support the launch and ongoing operation of automated manufacturing systems at the Warsaw Assembly Plant. This hands‑on role requires strong Allen‑Bradley PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning skills. The engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, and equipment integrators to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation and improve production performance.

Production Process Support & Improvement

• Resolve controls, automation, and equipment issues affecting the Body Department.
• Develop and optimize PLC, HMI, and equipment control systems to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and reliability.
• Support automated equipment, tooling, conveyors, and material handling through control logic and system integration.
• Review control sequences and equipment risks; analyze process data to identify and implement improvements.
• Support equipment design reviews, commissioning, validation builds, and Launch/Model Year Change activities.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and equipment integrators to resolve controls issues and improve equipment performance.
• Coordinate control system integration, equipment modifications, and model change‑over activities.
• Work with EHS and Engineering to validate safety circuits, interlocks, and equipment operating modes.
• Partner with IT to support industrial networks, production data collection, and MES integration.
• Follow Engineering standards and change management requirements.

Quality

• Implement and maintain process interlocks, error‑proofing, parameter monitoring, and traceability.
• Monitor process indicators and address controls‑related deviations to prevent defects.
• Support integration and validation of automated inspection and process control systems.

Documentation and Reporting

• Analyze equipment data and recurring faults to support root cause analysis and performance improvements.
• Maintain program backups, electrical schematics, network documentation, and equipment recovery procedures.
• Document and validate control system changes.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electronics, Controls, Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Technical training in PLCs, robotics, industrial networks, or machine safety preferred.

Experience

• 6+ years of hands‑on experience in manufacturing controls and automation, preferably in automotive Body manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning Allen‑Bradley PLCs and safety controllers using Studio 5000, and HMIs using Factory Talk View, required.
• Experience integrating robots, welding systems, conveyors, and inspection equipment.
• Experience supporting equipment commissioning, production launches, and modifications with suppliers and integrators.

Skills

• Proficiency in Allen‑Bradley Control Logix/Compact Logix, Guard Logix, Studio 5000, and Factory Talk View required.
• Strong understanding of equipment sequencing, fault diagnostics, recovery, cycle time optimization, and OEE.
• Working knowledge of Ether Net/IP networks and industrial device integration.
• Understanding of machine safety, safety interlocks, and safe equipment operation.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Wor…