Controls Engineer

Optimal; City of Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal is hiring a Controls Engineer for a plant in Tonawanda, NY. This role involves working with a mix of older and new equipment, focusing on GPS - Engine Assembly using Siemens PLC and Fanuc Robotics. The emphasis is on supporting production and maintenance with 80-90% time spent on the factory floor.

Candidates should possess an Associates Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering and have related experience. The working environment is intense, requiring flexibility and the ability to work different shifts, including weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience of 5-7 years is preferred.
• Ability to learn quickly, even with less experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Focus on GPS - Engine Assembly work.
• Procurement and implementation of new equipment.
• Support production and maintenance on the factory floor.

Skills

Allen-Bradley Rockwell PLC Programming

Siemens PLC - TIA Portal/S7 Programming

Ladder Logic PLC Programming

Troubleshooting electrical schematics

Basic Robot programming

Problem solving in manufacturing

Ethernet/IP industrial networks

Automation Controls Vision systems

Education

Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

Controls Engineer position working at a Plant in Tonawanda, NY. This is a mix of older 10+ year old equipment and new equipment including install. Most equipment for Assembly from Hirata Japan.

Job Details

Focus will be GPS - Engine Assembly. Siemens PLC, HMI, Rockwell Global Common. Cameras - Cognex AI, Dalsa, Matrox. Fanuc Robot/Cobot. AMR OTTO and Bastian Auto Fork Truck. Procurement and implementation of new equipment. High focus on factory floor and supporting production and maintenance. Not a desk job; 80-90% on floor.

Requirements

Degree - Associates Degree required, Bachelor Degree preferred in Electrical Engineering. Years of experience: 5-7 years. Focused more on someone who is able to learn quickly, would consider less experience for the right fit.

Controls Engineer Requirements

• 2 years Allen‑Bradley Rockwell PLC Programming Experience (RSLogix 5000 or/and Studio 5000)
• 2 years Siemens PLC - TIA Portal/S7 Programming Experience
• 2 years Ladder Logic PLC Programming Experience
• Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits.
• Ability to troubleshoot controls related automation equipment breakdowns in a high‑pressure manufacturing environment.
• Basic Robot programming experience (Fanuc Robotics Experience preferred).
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong comprehension of Ethernet/IP industrial networks.
• Prior automotive / vehicle assembly or industrial automation experience is preferred.
• Understanding/Programming of servo drives, motion control, and VFDs is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with maintenance, production, suppliers, and central ME teams.
• Leadership/ownership of tasks: planning, scheduling, and coordinating work with trades and contractors.
• Basic Automation Controls Vision systems programming experience (Matrox Preferred).
• Ability to work any shift as required by plant operations: Any shift (not rotating) 2-3 Weekend shifts/month.

Manager's Notes

It is an intense environment - fasted past environment and need to think on your feet and be flexible. Could be assigned to any shift, they do not bounce around to different shifts on a normal basis, may need to cover other shifts if an emergency or someone is on vacation, but overall candidates will be assigned to one shift.

1st shift - 6:30AM - 3PM 2nd shift - 3PM - 11:30PM 3rd shift - 11PM - 7:30AM

Expectation is 2-3 weekend shifts per month. Candidates will work Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays. Onsite - 5 days/week - no remote. Prefer candidates that are local to the Buffalo, Niagara Region. Travel: Up to 20% - might need to travel to support the new project which requires travel to Michigan, not a regular part of the job on an as needed basis, approx. 6 times per year.

Additional Information

Potential to go direct with this client after 6 months; however, client will not be able to sponsor any immigration visas.