Controls Engineer

Cummins; Kentucky; On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Cummins is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer to contribute to the development and design of control systems and automated equipment. You will assist with bench tests, modify software and hardware to ensure proper sensor/actuator function, and help address change requests.

You will prepare cost estimates, gather required information, and draft appropriation requests while evaluating project requirements for safe, economical solutions. Some installation and PLC support may be involved.

Qualifications

• College, university, or degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field, or equivalent experience required.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development and design of control systems and bench tests.
• Modify software/hardware to ensure sensors/actuators meet specifications.
• Support debugging of basic problems and change requests.
• Prepare cost estimates and draft appropriation requests.
• Investigate project requirements and develop solutions with economics, personnel, and environment in mind.
• May install and provide technical support for PLC-based hardware and software.

Skills

Collaboration

Effective communication

Health and Safety Fundamentals

Controls Engineering Knowledge

Controls Networking

Controls Safety

Controls System Security

Electrical System Troubleshooting

Factory Automation

Sensor Technology

Values differences

Manufacturing Knowledge

Machine Programming

Education

STEM degree (BS/MS)

Export controls licensing experience

Job description

Job Summary

Assists with the development of all aspects of control systems, equipment, and machinery.

Key Responsibilities

Assists with the development and design of control systems; assists with the development and implementation of bench tests; alters software and equipment to ensure that sensors and actuators are functioning according to specifications; supports and debugs basic problems and change requests. Assists with the preparation of cost estimates; compiles required cost and equipment information, and drafts appropriation requests. Investigates problems and requirements of projects, and develops plans for solutions in line with economic, personnel, and environmental considerations for review by more experienced Controls Engineers or Controls Engineering Manager. May be responsible for the installation and technical support of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based hardware and software.

Competencies

• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Health and Safety Fundamentals - Champions and models proactive health and safety behaviors by identifying, reporting and participating in actions to improve health and safety in order to build an interdependent culture and contribute to an injury-free workplace.
• Controls Engineering Knowledge - Applies the application of controls hardware and software by specifying, reviewing, and approving company-owned and/or supplier designs for new or upgrades to existing equipment to interface with all levels of manufacturing systems.
• Controls Networking - Implements new and improved technologies and methods capable of transferring information from multiple inputs either within a local production process or into databases to link machines together or to analyze the process for overall operation enhancements.
• Controls Safety - Recognizes controls related hazards in a manufacturing environment (Electrical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic) to incorporate safe practices and procedures as part of the daily work plan to reduce injuries and create a safe machine environment.
• Controls System Security - Develops and implements Controls System Security by specifying, reviewing, and approving company-owned and/or supplier designs for new equipment or upgrades to existing equipment to ensure our manufacturing controls and systems are secure.
• Electrical System Troubleshooting - Analyzes an electrical control system to resolve and repair electrical issues to return the system to proper operating conditions.
• Factory Automation and Control Systems - Implements changes to further automate manufacturing processes using available technology, programming techniques, and identifying needed material and resources for project completion to provide the optimum automation for the manufacturing environment.
• Sensor Technology and Measurement - Selects and applies the sensor technology, performing measurements in the acquired data that leads to the correct analysis and conclusion to help differentiate products that meet quality standards from non-conforming products.
• Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Manufacturing Knowledge - Demonstrates the knowledge of manufacturing by correctly implementing changes in current processes, equipment, and applications to meet the function's needs and contribute towards continuous improvement.
• Machine Programming - Creates factory floor machine programs by designing and implementing solutions to improve usage of machine and overall operation.

Education, Licenses, Certifications

• College, university, or degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field, or equivalent experience required.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience

Basic level of relevant experience required.

College Job type

Entry Level Full-time

Subfunction

Controls Engineering

Degree level

BS (open to MS)

Educational Program

Prefer EE, open to ME, MET

Start date

April/2027

Job Skill Requirements

controls & automation fundamentals, structured problem solving, communication/collaboration, organization/attention to detail

Required Work Location

On-site with Flexibility (expected on-site 5 days a week)

Shift

This is a 3rd-Shift position supporting the Assembly Line (10:30pm – 6:30am)

U.S. Early Careers Eligibility Requirements

• Exempt Entry Level: Designed for external candidates within 2 years of completing their highest level of degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD, MBA, or JD) from an accredited U.S. college/university, and currently reside within the continental U.S.
• International Student Eligibility (U.S. based roles): F-1 visa students must have approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Occupational Practical Training (OPT) before their Early Career assignment begin. CPT/OPT must relate to their degree and be authorized by their university. Students are

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.