Controls Engineer

Johnson Electric Group; Vandalia (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strong Leadership

Innovation Hubs

Employee Empowerment

Diverse Projects

Mentorship Opportunities

Job summary

Johnson Electric in Vandalia, OH is hiring a Process Engineering Technician to drive efficient transitions from prototype to full-scale production. You will qualify products through IQ/OQ/PQ/FQ, validate testers, and optimize PLC-based automation and vision systems on production equipment.

You will analyze machine data, train operators, and collaborate cross-functionally to reduce waste and improve reliability, with 5–10% travel and onsite duties.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in JMT assembly or similar manufacturing environments
• Hands-on PLC programming, troubleshooting, and logic modification (AB/Siemens)
• Experience with industrial vision systems for inspection and verification
• Knowledge of data and signal processing for diagnostics
• Familiarity with automation systems, robotics, sensors, and machine control integration
• Understanding of mechanical/electromechanical systems and pneumatics
• Ability to use measurement equipment during qualification runs
• Strong attention to detail and robust process documentation
• Proactive in identifying waste, safety risks, or quality concerns
• Willingness to adopt AI-enabled tools for analysis and improvement

Responsibilities

• Run IQ/OQ/PQ/FQ protocols to qualify products.
• Conduct test method validations for new testers.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems and controls.
• Support industrial vision systems for inspection and quality verification.
• Analyze machine data, signals, and sensor outputs for improvements.
• Facilitate prototype builds and document production readiness issues.
• Execute pilot builds to ensure manufacturing validation.
• Create work instructions for smooth production transitions.
• Verify cycle times against engineering estimates.
• Train operators on new processes and controls.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce waste and improve automation reliability.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems

Industrial vision systems

Data interpretation

Mechanical controls

Measurement equipment

Cross-functional collaboration

AI tools awareness

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Industrial vision hardware

Job description

Join Our Team as a Process Engineering Technician at Johnson Electric!

Location: Vandalia, OH (onsite)

Travel: 5-10% (domestic and international)

As our next Process Engineering Technician, you’ll play a key role in introducing new products to the production line efficiently and effectively. Your expertise will ensure smooth transitions from prototype to full-scale production while maintaining quality and reducing waste.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Strong Leadership: Work under experienced and visionary leaders who guide the company towards success.
• Innovation Hubs: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and innovation hubs that foster creativity and development.
• Employee Empowerment: A culture that empowers employees to take initiative and make impactful decisions.
• Diverse Projects: Work on a variety of projects across different industries, gaining broad experience.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Access to mentorship programs that help you grow both personally and professionally.

Join Our Team as a Process Engineering Technician at Johnson Electric!

Location: Vandalia, OH (onsite)

Travel: 5-10% (domestic and international)

As our next Process Engineering Technician, you’ll play a key role in introducing new products to the production line efficiently and effectively. Your expertise will ensure smooth transitions from prototype to full-scale production while maintaining quality and reducing waste.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Strong Leadership: Work under experienced and visionary leaders who guide the company towards success.
• Innovation Hubs: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and innovation hubs that foster creativity and development.
• Employee Empowerment: A culture that empowers employees to take initiative and make impactful decisions.
• Diverse Projects: Work on a variety of projects across different industries, gaining broad experience.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Access to mentorship programs that help you grow both personally and professionally.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Run IQ (Installation Qualifications), OQ (Operational Qualifications), PQ (Performance Qualifications), and FQ (Fixture Qualifications) protocols to qualify products.
• Conduct test method validations to ensure new testers meet performance requirements.
• Integrate, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC‑based automation systems and electrical controls on production equipment.
• Configure and support industrial vision systems used for inspection, error proofing, and quality verification.
• Analyze equipment signals, machine data, and sensor outputs; support AI‑assisted predictive maintenance and equipment optimization.
• Facilitate prototype builds and document production readiness issues.
• Execute and document pilot builds to ensure manufacturing validation.
• Create work instructions and support smooth transitions to production.
• Verify and optimize cycle times to ensure compliance with engineering estimates.
• Train operators on new processes, controls, and automation systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and enhance manufacturing processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving automation reliability, and simplifying processes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in JMT assembly or similar manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and logic modification (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent preferred).
• Experience with industrial vision systems for inspection and verification.
• Knowledge of data and signal processing, including interpreting machine outputs for diagnostics and process improvement.
• Familiarity with automation systems, robotics interfaces, sensors, and machine control integration.
• Understanding of mechanical controls, pneumatics, actuators, and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to use measurement equipment during qualification runs.
• Strong attention to detail; ensures new processes are robust and well‑documented.
• Proactive attitude toward identifying potential waste, safety risks, or quality concerns.
• Willingness to adopt and support AI-enabled tools for analysis and improvement.

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.