Automation Controls Engineer

6AM City, LLC

Michigan

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Job summary

6AM City, LLC in Michigan seeks an Automation Controls Engineer to lead AGV/AMR integration across manufacturing facilities. You will design standardized AGV integration architectures, validate performance, and collaborate with plant engineering to deploy autonomous material handling systems.

The ideal candidate brings PLC and HMI development, strong control system knowledge, and experience with industrial networks, safety systems, FAT/SAT, and production startup to drive measurable improvements

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.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and controls issues.
Experience in automotive manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with GCCS / GCCHS controls standards.

Responsibilities

AGV solution development and deployment across facilities.
Design control interfaces between AGVs and plant automation systems.
Support AGV commissioning, startup, validation, and production launch.
Evaluate material flow processes for autonomous vehicle implementation.
Analyze system performance and improve fleet utilization.
Develop PLC and HMI applications for AGV operations.
Integrate AGV systems with MES, conveyors, robotics, and vision systems.
Lead FAT/SAT activities and ensure production readiness.
Partner with plant teams to drive safety improvements and efficiency gains.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Safety systems

Troubleshooting

Automotive manufacturing

Robotics integration

Tools

Fanuc robotics

Cognex vision

iRVision

Keyence

Job description

Job Description

Automation Controls Engineer / Autonomous Material Flow Systems

Position Summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to support the development, deployment, and adoption of Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) solutions across manufacturing facilities. This role will serve as a technical leader within the central automation organization, responsible for

developing standardized AGV integration architectures, validating system performance, and partnering with plant engineering teams to implement

autonomous material handling solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance. The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering expertise with a deep understanding of manufacturing operations and material flow. Success in this role requires the ability to integrate AGV systems with existing plant automation infrastructure while demonstrating measurable business value to manufacturing stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

AGV Solution Development & Deployment

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.

Controls Engineering

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.

Validation & Commissioning

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 GCCS / GCCHS
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications