986 - Automation Controls Engineer

Drive; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Drive is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer for on-site automotive manufacturing operations. The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of FANUC robots, PLCs, and related automation equipment.

The ideal candidate has experience with Rockwell Studio 5000, RSLogix, and Siemens tools, and can work cross-functionally with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to improve equipment reliability and throughput.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with FANUC robots and PLCs in manufacturing.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot automation systems.
• Proven troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in an automotive setting.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize FANUC robots in manufacturing.
• Modify Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC programs as needed.
• Diagnose electrical, control, robotic, and network issues on the plant floor.
• Support automated assembly, material handling, and injection molding equipment.
• Configure HMIs, sensors, safety devices, servo systems, VFDs, I/O, and networks.
• Improve reliability, cycle time, uptime, and overall efficiency.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and launch of new equipment.
• Collaborate with suppliers and integrators on controls specifications and testing.
• Develop PLC/HMI/robot backups and documentation.

Skills

FANUC robots

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

HMI systems

Electrical schematics

Industrial networks

Root-cause analysis

Automation troubleshooting

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix

TIA Portal

Job description

Automation Controls Engineer

Automotive Manufacturing
Full-Time | On-Site

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to support and improve automated manufacturing systems within our automotive manufacturing operations. This is a hands‑on engineering role focused on FANUC robotics, PLC controls, automation equipment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate has strong experience working in a high‑volume manufacturing environment and is comfortable troubleshooting equipment on the plant floor, modifying PLC and robot programs, supporting new equipment launches, and working directly with maintenance, engineering, production, and outside integrators.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize FANUC industrial robots used in automated manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and modify Allen‑Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programs.
• Diagnose electrical, controls, robotic, communication, and automation‑related equipment issues.
• Support automated assembly, material handling, injection molding, and secondary manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and configure HMIs, sensors, safety devices, servo systems, VFDs, I/O, and industrial networks.
• Improve equipment reliability, cycle time, uptime, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Support installation, commissioning, debugging, and launch of new automated equipment.
• Work with equipment suppliers and system integrators on controls specifications, programming, and equipment acceptance.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and robot program backups and controls documentation.
• Assist maintenance technicians with complex controls and automation troubleshooting.
• Identify recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives for automated equipment.
• Ensure automation systems meet applicable safety, quality, and customer requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement and manufacturing cost‑reduction projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of controls, automation, or robotics experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting FANUC robots.
• Strong experience with Allen‑Bradley PLCs and/or Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000 / RSLogix or Siemens TIA Portal is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics, control panels, and industrial electrical systems.
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, safety circuits, sensors, and industrial communication networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause problem‑solving skills.
• Automotive or Tier 1 manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Experience with automated assembly or injection molding operations is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and outside automation suppliers.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys being hands‑on with automation equipment. This position is ideal for an engineer who can connect a laptop to a PLC or robot, diagnose the problem, make the appropriate programming or controls changes, and work with the manufacturing team to get equipment running reliably.

Key technologies: FANUC Robotics | Allen‑Bradley PLC | Siemens PLC | Studio 5000 | RSLogix | TIA Portal | HMI | VFD | Servo Systems | Industrial Automation