Controls Engineer

Compal-USA; Logansport (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

401k with matching contributions

Generous PTO

Job summary

SYLUX Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to join our team. The role focuses on PLC programming, robotics integration, machine vision support, and safety compliance for the FATP line, with travel to multiple sites including Goleta, CA and Logansport, IN.

Initial 3–6 month assignment in Goleta, CA, followed by relocation to Logansport, IN. Requires 5+ years in industrial automation and strong knowledge of Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial automation engineering with PLC programming.
• Experience with safety standards and industrial electrical standards.
• Experience with machine vision, motion control, and fieldbus protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support PLC-controlled automation systems on FATP line and ensure compliance with standards.
• Program, integrate, and optimize industrial robots and cobots on the FATP line.
• Support machine vision, barcode reading, and defect inspection stations.
• Drive automation reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze downtime, faults, and OEE to drive root-cause fixes.
• Optimize robot cycle times and takt time across FATP configurations.
• Improve poka-yoke controls and automated inspections.
• Troubleshoot automation components and work with suppliers for safety compliance.
• Produce and maintain automation documentation and support cross-functional teams.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Mechatronics

Controls engineering

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Robotics programming

Machine safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

ABB RobotStudio

FANUC ROBOGUIDE

Job description

ABOUT SYLUX

SYLUX is an innovative company specializing in infrared sensing and AI-driven perception technologies for automotive safety. The company is committed to improving vehicle awareness and recognition capabilities in darkness, fog, glare, and other low-visibility environments. By combining infrared cameras, AI algorithms, and advanced perception platforms, SYLUX helps next-generation ADAS and intelligent vehicles go beyond the limits of conventional sensors, enabling more consistent and reliable detection of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while setting a higher benchmark for future road safety. This infrared heritage also serves as the foundation for SYLUX’s expansion into broader ADAS perception and intelligent sensing solutions.

As a brand powered by COMPAL, SYLUX benefits from Compal’s world-class manufacturing excellence, and global supply chain capabilities. Backed by Compal’s extensive experience in technology innovation and cross-industry integration, SYLUX is able to accelerate the commercialization of advanced sensing technologies and deliver practical solutions for the future of intelligent mobility and automotive safety.

OUR CULTURE

We believe innovation happens when people do what they love and have the opportunity to grow. SYLUX is powered by some of the brightest talents from around the world, working together to push creative and technical boundaries on behalf of our clients and their products. Every day we strive to create an environment where people can grow and learn from each other, while receiving the support to do the best while working on what they love.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join our Sylux team. This position requires travel and the ability to initially work in Goleta, CA for 3-6 months with an eventual work location in Logansport, IN.

Major responsibilities:

• Support PLC-controlled automation systems for the FATP line to ensure all control logic conforms to Sylux PLC programming standards and is fully documented
• Program, integrate, and optimize industrial robots and collaborative robots on the FATP line including path planning, end-of-arm tooling configuration, force/torque control, and safety zone definition
• Support machine vision systems, barcode/DMC reading, and defect inspection stations on the FATP line
• Drive automation reliability and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Analyzing equipment downtime logs, fault histories, and OEE data to identify root causes of automation failures and implement corrective PLC logic, recipe, or mechanical fixes.
  • Optimizing robot cycle times, conveyor throughput, and station takt to sustain the takt time target across all FATP line configurations
• Identifying opportunities to enhance poka-yoke controls, error-proofing interlocks, and automated inspection coverage to reduce escaped defects in assembly and test processes.
• Troubleshoot automation components including servo drives, pneumatic actuators, safety relays, I/O modules, and sensor systems; work with equipment suppliers to ensure compliance with IEC/NFPA electrical safety requirements
• Produce and maintain comprehensive automation documentation including PLC functional descriptions, robot program libraries, electrical schematics, I/O lists, safety assessments
• Manage automation engineering workstreams across the FATP line, coordinating with Equipment Suppliers, Manufacturing Engineers, Maintenance, Quality, and IT/MES teams
• Support Technicians in troubleshooting of FATP Line
• Perform other automation engineering duties as assigned or required

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field required
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial automation engineering with hands-on PLC programming in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000 / Logix Designer) and/or Siemens TIA Portal (S7-1500); demonstrated experience programming and commissioning industrial or collaborative robots (ABB RobotStudio, RAPID; FANUC ROBOGUIDE, TP/Karel; or equivalent platforms)
• Proficiency in machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISO 10218-1/-2, ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots) and industrial electrical standards (IEC 60204-1, NFPA 79, UL 508A); experience with functional safety assessment and safety-rated I/O systems (e.g., Safety PLCs, light curtains, area scanners)
• Experience with machine vision platforms (Cognex, Keyence, or similar), motion control (servo drives, linear actuators), and fieldbus/networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet); strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple automation projects to completion in a fast-paced NPI environment

TRAVEL:

Travel up to 25% (domestic and international – Vietnam, California for multi-site FATP line commissioning, FAT/SAT, and ongoing automation support) Initial work location in Goleta, CA (3-6 mos. and eventually in Logansport, IN

BENEFITS AT SYLUX Inc.

• Medical, dental vision and prescription drug insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Excellent 401k plan with matching contributions
• Generous PTO policy
• Company paid holidays

SYLUX Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need without regard to any protected status.