Automation Controls Engineer

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Michigan; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group in Michigan seeks an experienced Manufacturing Systems Integrator to advance AGV integration across multiple facilities. You will design interfaces between AGVs and plant automation, support commissioning and production launches, and improve material flow with autonomous solutions.

The role requires PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and safety/system validation expertise. Travel to plants for FAT/SAT and commissioning may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial controls systems.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI applications.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and fieldbus communications.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, FAT, and SAT activities.
• Knowledge of machine safety systems and risk mitigation practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with GCCH/ GCSC controls standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and standardize AGV integration solutions for deployment across manufacturing facilities.
• Design control and communication interfaces between AGVs and plant automation systems.
• Support AGV commissioning, startup, validation, and production launch activities.
• Evaluate material flow processes and identify opportunities for autonomous vehicle implementation.
• Analyze system performance and recommend improvements to maximize fleet utilization and efficiency.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of vehicle, network, and controls-related issues.
• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI applications supporting AGV operations and infrastructure.
• Integrate AGV systems with MES, conveyors, robotics, vision systems, traceability platforms, and plant controls.
• Validate sensors, I/O devices, safety systems, and communication networks.
• Design and implement interlock logic between AGVs and production equipment.
• Support Ethernet/IP and industrial network communication troubleshooting.
• Lead FAT and SAT activities and verify production readiness.
• Develop test plans and validation procedures for AGV deployments.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Startup/commissioning

Safety systems

Troubleshooting

Automotive environment

Controls standards

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Fanuc robotics

Cognex vision

Keyence systems

iRVision

Job description

• Develop and standardize AGV integration solutions for deployment across manufacturing facilities.
• Design control and communication interfaces between AGVs and plant automation systems.
• Support AGV commissioning, startup, validation, and production launch activities.
• Evaluate material flow processes and identify opportunities for autonomous vehicle implementation.
• Analyze system performance and recommend improvements to maximize fleet utilization and operational efficiency.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of vehicle, network, and controls-related issues.
• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI applications supporting AGV operations and associated infrastructure.
• Integrate AGV systems with manufacturing execution systems, conveyors, robotics, vision systems, traceability platforms, and plant controls.
• Validate sensors, I/O devices, safety systems, and communication networks.
• Design and implement interlock logic between AGVs and production equipment.
• Support Ethernet/IP and industrial network communication troubleshooting.

Manufacturing Systems Integration

• Ensure AGV solutions align with controls architecture and automation standards.
• Coordinate interfaces between AGV systems and production equipment including robotics, vision inspection systems, torque systems, and assembly operations.
• Support plant teams in integrating AGV solutions into existing manufacturing processes.
• Develop operational procedures, fault recovery strategies, and maintenance support methods.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Verify system functionality, safety compliance, and production readiness.
• Develop test plans and validation procedures for AGV deployments.
• Support production trials and launch activities at manufacturing locations.

Internal Customer Support

• Partner with plant manufacturing, controls, operations, and maintenance teams to evaluate AGV opportunities.
• Present technical solutions and business cases supporting AGV adoption.
• Demonstrate operational benefits including labor efficiency, safety improvements, and material flow optimization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for autonomous material handling systems.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial controls systems.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI applications.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and fieldbus communications.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, FAT, and SAT activities.
• Knowledge of machine safety systems, safety devices, and risk mitigation practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
• Experience working within automotive manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with controls standards including GCSC / GCCH.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating AGVs, AMRs, or automated material handling systems.
• Experience with Fanuc robotics and collaborative robot applications.
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, or iRVision systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing traceability and production data systems.
• Experience implementing poka-yoke and automated quality verification systems.
• Familiarity with fleet management, vehicle dispatching, and autonomous material flow concepts.
• Experience supporting multi-plant manufacturing deployments.