Controls Engineer

Autokiniton; Elkton (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Autokiniton in Elkton, Michigan is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to provide engineering skills for optimal safety, quality, and productivity. Responsibilities include designing electrical control systems, programming PLCs and HMIs, troubleshooting, and supporting new equipment launches. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least three years of hands-on experience. The company fosters a fast-paced environment requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum three years of related technical hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete design of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls systems.
• Program PLC, HMI, network devices for new equipment installations.
• Support new program equipment launch activities.
• Direct activities for manufacturing and operational testing.
• Troubleshoot new and existing systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Cooperation and commitment

Natural problem solver

Adaptability to a fast-paced environment

Mechanical ability

Ability to learn corporate standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Minimum three years of related technical hands-on experience

Tools

AB PLC programming software

Siemens PLC programming software

Microsoft Office

Fanuc programming language

Motoman programming language

MQ1 and QAD databases

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide the necessary Electrical Controls Engineering skills and leadership to the Engineering and Operations departments to achieve optimal levels of safety, quality, productivity and delivery to assure internal and external customer satisfaction.

JOB TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete design of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls systems for new and retrofit equipment.
• Understand, support, and program complete PLC, HMI, network devices and related hardware for new equipment installations.
• Understand, support and develop complete motor drive configuration for servo, variable frequency and DC systems.
• Understand, implement and support robotic programming.
• Support new program equipment launch activity as it relates to startup, debug and achieving performance objectives.
• Use computer based engineering software and equipment (PLC and HMI programs, Motion Control programs, PC based programs, CAD based programs).
• Evaluate and apply new technology as required.
• Direct activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation and operational testing conform to functional specifications.
• Troubleshoot systems, new and existing, as needed in support of the manufacturing facilities company‑wide.
• Support new model launches and improvement teams.
• Participate in cross functional and program management team activities as required.
• Optimization of transfer press curves.
• Identify and implement cost savings.
• Participates in continuous improvement activities.
• Works on plant floor as needed.
• Help in departmental operation wherever necessary.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Must understand and apply basic cybersecurity principles in OT environments, including secure programming of PLCs and HMIs, network segmentation, access control, and adherence to company security policies. Participation in cybersecurity training is required.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum three (3) years of related technical hands‑on experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High level of cooperation and commitment.
• Natural Problem Solver.
• Ability and Willingness to Learn.
• Adaptive to a Fast Paced Environment.
• Mechanical Ability.
• Self‑starter and ability to work productively for long periods of little to no supervision.
• Ability to learn, understand and apply corporate standards for equipment and tooling.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work with Microsoft Office at an intermediate level.
• AB PLC and HMI programming software at an intermediate level.
• Siemens PLC and HMI programming software at an intermediate level.
• Fanuc and Motoman programming languages at an intermediate level.
• Ability to work with MQ1 and QAD databases at an intermediate level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Duties include but are not limited to stand, walk, twist, bend, lift, see, talk and hear, with an ability to travel.
• When visiting plant site locations, employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration or hazardous materials.