Controls Engineer – Manufacturing (m/f/d)

KPIT; Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Marktheidenfeld; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KPIT in Germany is seeking a motivated Controls Engineer to support development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing control systems, automation equipment, and machinery. You will work with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to design, troubleshoot, and enhance automation solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate has foundational experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical controls, and

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of electrical control systems, sensors, actuators, motor controls, and instrumentation.
• Experience with electrical system troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Ability to support machine programming and automation initiatives.
• Knowledge of factory automation and control systems integration.
• Familiarity with control system safety standards and safe work practices.
• Basic understanding of controls system security and industrial cybersecurity concepts.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to workplace health, safety, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing control systems and automation solutions.
• Support PLC-based hardware and software installation, configuration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop, test, debug, and modify control system software to ensure reliable operation of sensors, actuators, and manufacturing equipment.
• Conduct bench testing, system validation, and commissioning of control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, automation, and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Support control system upgrades, change requests, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in integrating machines and equipment with manufacturing networks and data systems.
• Participate in automation projects aimed at improving productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare technical documentation, equipment specifications, and project-related reports.
• Assist in developing project cost estimates, equipment justifications, and appropriation requests.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, electrical safety, and controls cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to deliver project objectives.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical controls

Industrial automation

Networking protocols

Automation initiatives

Systems integration

Safety standards

Cybersecurity concepts

Schematic reading

Analytical skills

Communication

Continuous improvement

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Controls Engineer to support the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing control systems, automation equipment, and machinery. This role will work closely with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to design, troubleshoot, and enhance automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate will have foundational experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical controls, and manufacturing systems, along with a passion for continuous improvement and emerging automation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing control systems and automation solutions.
• Support PLC-based hardware and software installation, configuration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop, test, debug, and modify control system software to ensure reliable operation of sensors, actuators, and manufacturing equipment.
• Conduct bench testing, system validation, and commissioning of control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, automation, and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Support control system upgrades, change requests, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in integrating machines and equipment with manufacturing networks and data systems.
• Participate in automation projects aimed at improving productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare technical documentation, equipment specifications, and project-related reports.
• Assist in developing project cost estimates, equipment justifications, and appropriation requests.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, electrical safety, and controls cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to deliver project objectives.

Required Skills

• Basic knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of electrical control systems, sensors, actuators, motor controls, and instrumentation.
• Experience with electrical system troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Ability to support machine programming and automation initiatives.
• Knowledge of factory automation and control systems integration.
• Familiarity with control system safety standards and safe work practices.
• Basic understanding of controls system security and industrial cybersecurity concepts.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to workplace health, safety, and continuous improvement.