Controls Engineer

adient; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient in Normal, Illinois is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop, maintain, and enhance automation control systems for automotive seating assembly. You will support the maintenance team, troubleshoot PLCs, and help improve equipment uptime and plant reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, at least 2 years in controls engineering, and experience with RSLogix 5000, ControlLogix, PanelView, FT Optix, and Fanuc robotics. CAD skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of Controls Engineering experience in manufacturing (automotive preferred).
• Experience with Allen Bradley RS Logix 5000, ControlLogix, PanelView and FT Optix is required.
• Robotics experience with Fanuc is a plus.
• Lean manufacturing methods like JIT/Kaizen are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance by troubleshooting equipment, including PLC ladder logic and data handling in ControlLogix processors.
• Maintain PLC documentation and an archive of PLC programs and machine control drawings.
• Improve automated equipment uptime and contribute to plant reliability maintenance.
• Back up electronic machine control and robotic programs on a set schedule.
• Identify and implement error-proofing throughout the production process.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Electrical/electronic theory

Two years experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5000

ControlLogix

PanelView

FT Optix

Fanuc Robotics

CAD

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to develop, maintain, and enhance automation control systems critical to the automotive seating assembly process. This role plays a key part in ensuring efficient, reliable, and high-quality production through continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The Controls Engineer will support the maintenance department by assisting in equipment troubleshooting issues, including PLC ladder logic and data handling functions in Control Logix processors
• Maintain PLC documentation upon receipt from equipment suppliers and an archive of PLC programs & machine controls drawings in an electronic format for the entire facility
• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and improve automated equipment including devices, I/O, instruments, and all other components associate with automated processes to meet production and safety goals
• Support various I/O devices connected to PLC’s including HMI’s, scanners, remote I/O, sensors, relays, solenoids, servo drives, etc.
• Improve equipment uptime and contribute to Plant reliability maintenance
• Schedule and complete backups of all electronic machine control and robotic programs on a set schedule and develop and maintain Preventive Maintenance Programs
• Ability to diagnose problems with hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems interfacing with electrical and electronic systems
• Applies knowledge of electronic and instrumentation principles to determine equipment malfunctions and applies skills in restoring equipment to operation
• Implement and maintain data collection system from Plant floor processing equipment
• Identify and implement error-proofing requirements throughout the production process

Educational Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, and/or equivalent work experience.

Experience Required & Preferred

• Minimum 2 years of Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting (automotive is preferred).
• Experience using Allen Bradley’s RS Logix 5000, ControLogix, Panelview and FT Optix development software is a must.
• Robotics experience with Fanuc.
• Hands‑on experience with JIT, Kaizen Events and/or other lean manufacturing strategies.
• Robot cell design and programming.
• Industrial networking.
• System specification, ordering, run‑off, installation and qualification.
• Capital equipment budget planning and tracking.
• Strong computer skills with ability to quickly learn new software/applications.
• Ability to draw two dimensional layouts in CAD software.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical problem solving.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Normal