Controls Engineer

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design and troubleshoot control systems, provide equipment support, and optimize manufacturing processes. Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or a related field and at least 3 years of experience. This position in Grand Rapids emphasizes robotics, compliance with safety standards, and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience with robotics.
• Familiarity with MES/IIoT platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
• Provide technical support for production equipment.
• Analyze production data for improvements.

Skills

Robotics experience (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA)

PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text)

Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Automation & Controls Development

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Omron).
• Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction and real‑time process visibility.
• Implement new automation solutions to support new product introduction (NPI) and industrialization projects.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motion systems, robotics, and vision systems into automated equipment.

Equipment & Process Support

• Provide technical support for production equipment breakdowns and controls‑related issues.
• Improve equipment uptime by resolving root causes of automation failures.
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, control logic documentation, and system backups.

Project Engineering

• Align with Assembly Engineering activities for equipment installations, upgrades, and process launches.
• Manage project timelines, technical specifications, vendor interactions, and FAT/SAT execution.
• Support process capability validation and ensure automation meets manufacturing requirements.

Manufacturing Optimization

• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for cycle‑time reduction, scrap reduction, and improved repeatability.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support poka‑yoke (error‑proofing) solutions through automation and sensor integration.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., NFPA 79, OSHA, CE, ISO).
• Support risk assessments (FMEA, safety circuit design, lockout/tagout).
• Develop and maintain control system standards, best practices, and work instructions.

Qualifications

• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing or industrialization environments.
• Hands‑on experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR).
• Familiarity with MES/IIoT platforms and data collection systems.
• Experience with CAD electrical design tools (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Lean/Six Sigma training or certification.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text).
• Knowledge of robotics, motion control, safety circuits, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, mechanical, and software‑driven systems.

Computer Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data dashboards.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

Lean Manufacturing, particularly Value Stream Mapping.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to heat, noise, dust, or chemicals.
• Ability to stand, walk, or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts or off‑hours operations, depending on business needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation that reflects your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Comprehensive health benefits – medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Company‑sponsored Long‑Term Disability, Short‑Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D Insurance.
• Generous paid time off and PTO policies.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• International collaboration and local empowerment opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hutchinson is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Hutchinson believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Privacy and Data Protection

Hutchinson is committed to protecting your personal data and adhering to data protection regulations, including the GDPR. We collect and process your data to provide our services and manage our operations, with measures in place to ensure its security. You have rights regarding your data, including access and erasure. Please refer to our full Privacy Policy for more details and contact information for data protection matters.