Controls Engineer

Nidec Motor Corporation; Lexington (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nidec Motor Corporation is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop and optimize control systems for automated machinery in Lexington, TN. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering and a strong background in PLCs, SCADA, and HMI systems.

The role involves system design, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure efficiency and compliance. The position offers a dynamic environment focusing on technical innovation and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in controls engineering or similar role.
• Strong understanding of PLCs, DCS, and HMI systems.
• Ability to conceive, develop, optimize and modify electronic/electrical system designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for automated machinery.
• Conduct system testing and validation procedures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define system requirements.
• Develop and implement software for control systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems.

Skills

Control system design

PLCs

SCADA

HMI technologies

Programming languages (ladder logic, C, Python)

Troubleshooting skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

a Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of systems that control and automate machinery and processes. This pivotal role is crucial for ensuring that production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely by optimizing system performance and integrating advanced technological solutions. The ideal candidate is not only technically adept but also innovative, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem‑solving. They should possess a comprehensive understanding of control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI technologies, and be capable of working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to bring cutting‑edge projects to fruition. In this position, you will be tasked with developing control schemes, conducting system testing and validation, troubleshooting and resolving system issues, and continuously improving existing processes.

Job Description / Responsibilities and Duties

• Design and develop control systems for automated machinery and equipment
• Conduct system testing and validation procedures
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define system requirements
• Develop and implement software for control systems
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications and operation manuals
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations
• Monitor system performance and make necessary adjustments
• Train personnel on the use and operation of control systems
• Perform regular system maintenance and updates
• Integrate new technologies into existing systems
• Participate in the commissioning and start‑up of new equipment
• Provide technical support and expertise to other departments as needed
• Analyze data from control systems to improve processes and efficiency
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers for equipment and software purchases

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience in controls engineering or similar role
• Proficiency in control system design and implementation
• Strong understanding of PLCs, DCS, and HMI systems
• Skilled in the use of programming languages such as ladder logic, C, or Python
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance
• Good communication, analytical, and organizational skills and be able to work in a team environment.
• Ability to conceive, develop, optimize, maintain and modify electronic/electrical system designs based on requirements.
• Ability to provide technical coordination with internal and external suppliers and customers.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in electrical or computer engineering or related field or 5+ years of experience.

Additional Job Details

Technical - T2

Organizational Impact

• Works to achieve operational, functional, and/or business targets within team with direct and indirect impact on departmental or job family results, using practical technical principles
• Intermediate‑level technical contributor; generally works independently under moderate supervision and may seek advice of more senior employees in the same area
• Failure to achieve results requires allocation of additional resources to meet goals and impacts project completion with the potential for additional financial expense.
• Works on smaller, less complex projects/assignments

Communication & Influence

• Communicates with employees typically within the department and/or job family, explaining and interpreting matters related to the department; may communicate with external clients or partners depending upon the job area
• May influence employees within own job area at an operational level

Innovation & Complexity

• Responsible for making minor improvements to technical/business processes, procedures, or systems to contribute to the performance of the team
• Problems faced may be difficult but are not complex, requiring application of technical skills/analysis drawing from prior experiences, and typically involve consideration of multiple issues and impact job family and/or multiple teams

Leadership & Talent Management

• May provide guidance, help with training and review work of entry‑level employees
• May lead parts of less complex projects or processes

Knowledge & Experience

• Requires understanding of basic context and practical knowledge of technical and business environment as well as potential and upcoming technical advances within area of specialization, typically obtained through advanced education and relevant experience
• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience

Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…

Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Assertive Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

Work Shift Schedule

First Shift (United States of America)

No Soliciting

Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre‑approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.