Controls Engineer

Autokiniton; Grand Ledge (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Tool allowance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Job summary

AUTOKINITON is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to maintain PLC-based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation. You will support plant floor automation for new and existing equipment and work closely with maintenance to improve production efficiency.

The role requires strong PLC/ABB/HMI/Fanuc knowledge, a Bachelor’s in Electrical/Controls/Automation, and 5+ years in automotive manufacturing. Relocation assistance and a strong benefits package are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience as Controls Engineer in automotive manufacturing; welding assembly facility preferred.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, ABB, advanced HMI programming, Fanuc and Motorman.
• Advanced electrical/mechanical aptitude; reading schematics in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain PLC-based controls systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation.
• Support plant floor automation for new and existing equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical/controls issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance lean manufacturing and production initiatives.
• Report to the Maintenance Manager.

Skills

PLC programming

ABB

HMI programming

Fanuc

Motorman

Electrical aptitude

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

MS Office

ERP

AutoCAD

Job description

AUTOKINITON delivers operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics. We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe. Our core value, "We, not I," reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress.

To help us drive excellence:

As a Controls Engineer, you will be accountable to maintain PLC based controls systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation, and support Plant floor automation control systems for new and existing equipment.

• Support operations in electrical/controls troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams to enhance continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and overall production initiatives.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLC, ABB, advanced HMI programming, Fanuc and Motorman.
• Develop and support motor drive configuration for servo, variable frequency, and DC systems.
• Design of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls systems for new and retrofit equipment.
• Work on Plant floor as needed with multi-disciplinary team to troubleshoot to resolve automation issues to maintain/improve production efficiency.
• This position reports to the Maintenance Manager.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation or Mechatronics Engineering. Open for equivalent years of experience as Controls Engineer.
• 5+ years of experience as Controls Engineer in automotive manufacturing; strongly preferred welding assembly facility.
• Exceptional knowledge of PLC, ABB, advanced HMI programming, Fanuc and Motorman.
• Advanced electrical/mechanical aptitude, working with electrical/controls circuitry and schematics in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, self-starter, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills within a multi-disciplinary manufacturing environment.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing methodologies are a strong plus.
• Advance proficiency with MS OFFICE, ERP, AutoCAD systems. CAD a plus.

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. We also provide a tool allowance for our Skilled Trades Associates.

Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for our Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.

Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well‑being.

Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.

Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates – from entry-level to senior-level – with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.