Controls Engineer

Dexter Group; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Profit sharing

401(k) plan

Career development

Job summary

Dexter Group to recruit a Controls Engineer for our Elkhart, Indiana manufacturing facility. The role focuses on commissioning, programming, and troubleshooting industrial robotic systems with welding applications, and deploying PLC-based control solutions.

You will collaborate with engineering teams to implement design changes, handle on-site startup support, and ensure safety compliance while delivering high-quality automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or comparable discipline, with 5+ years related work experience.
• Electrical/Mechanical/Automation engineering knowledge and Fanuc/Allen Bradley certs.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems and robotic integration.

Responsibilities

• Commission, program, and troubleshoot industrial robotic systems with welding applications.
• Configure and deploy PLC-based control systems using RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000.
• Integrate robotic systems with PLCs, HMIs, and peripheral equipment.
• Develop ladder logic, structured text, and function blocks.
• Support weld process setup including torch configuration, seam tracking, and weld parameter tuning.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and robotic faults in real-time production environments.
• Interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings for system troubleshooting.
• Conduct FAT and SAT testing and collaborate with engineering for design changes.

Skills

Industrial robotics

PLC programming

Rockwell RSLogix 5000

Electrical schematics

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Fanuc certification

Allen Bradley certification

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

AutoCAD

Fanuc ROBOGUIDE

Job description

Selecting Only The Best! Joining the Dexter/DexKo Team.

We are proud of what we do and where we are going at Dexter/DexKo, and we know that our great people are what makes us so exceptional. It is important to us that the people we invite onto our team are a good fit both technically and culturally, and that the feeling is mutual. The process we use to assess fit may be different than what you’ve experienced with other companies, and we have designed it that way for a reason. If you have applied and are being considered for a position with us, this brief video will help you understand what to expect as you move through the Dexter/DexKo Selection Process.

Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets has an opportunity for a Controls Engineer at our manufacturing engineering facility located in Elkhart, IN.
Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved many years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.
For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.

• Commission, program, and troubleshoot industrial robotic systems with a focus on welding applications
• Configure and deploy PLC-based control systems, primarily using Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000
• Integrate robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa) with PLCs, HMIs, and peripheral equipment
• Perform system bring-up, debug I/O, and validate full machine functionality during commissioning
• Develop, modify, and optimize ladder logic, structured text, and function block programs
• Support weld process setup including torch configuration, seam tracking, and weld parameter tuning
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and robotic faults in real-time production environments
• Interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings for system troubleshooting
• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement design changes and continuous improvements
• Provide on-site startup support and customer training for operators and maintenance personnel
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, including lockout/tagout and machine safety circuits
• Maintain detailed documentation including redlines, backups, and commissioning reports
• Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, and support as required
• Program, calibrate, and maintain DC electric torque tools, including parameter setup, tightening strategy configuration, and communication with PLC-based control systems

Project Management

• Participating in cross functional design reviews to establish standard and custom product designs for new product launches.
• Developing and communicating manufacturing standards for new product launches, project initiatives, and efficiency improvements to all departments.
• Reviewing and approving Engineering prints and specifications for optimum manufacturability, cost, tooling, and process structure.
• Partnering with the Product Design Team to resolve all engineering and design related problems as well as providing manufacturing input required for cost-effective designs.

Communication Skills

• Possess strong team, leadership, and interpersonal skills enabling you to work with the full range of employees at the manufacturing site.
• Ability to organize data into presentations for the team members and management.

Education

• Preferred but not required bachelor’s degree in engineering, or comparable discipline and at least 5+ years related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Electrical / Mechanical / Automation Engineering
  Electrical / Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Equivalent
• Professional Certifications: Fanuc, Allen Bradley

Preferred / Plus Qualifications

• Experience with Fanuc ROBOGUIDE for offline programming and simulation
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for reviewing and modifying electrical schematics and layouts
• Experience with welding power sources and integration (e.g., Lincoln, Miller)
• Familiarity with advanced weld tracking systems (e.g., Through-Arc Seam Tracking - TAST)
• Knowledge of industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ProfiNet)
• Statistical analysis and software (Cpk & Ppk)
• Ignition SCADA Software for Process Control and Data Management

We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:

• Dexter offers a competitive wage
• Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
• 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
• 401(k) Plan with company contributions
• Opportunities for internal career development and growth

Equal Opportunity Employer

Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Founded in 1960, Dexter ® is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with 20 manufacturing facilities and over 50 company-owned distribution locations. Dexter is a trusted brand serving the utility trailer, recreational vehicle, marine, agricultural, and specialty markets.