Controls Engineer

Challenge Mfg. Company LLC; Walker, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Account

401k match

ESOP shares

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a seasoned engineer to standardize and launch highly automated controls for metal assemblies at our Walker, MI plant. You will program PLCs, HMIs, robots and related equipment, while supporting installation, wiring upgrades and field troubleshooting.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, cycle-time reduction and quality; requires 5+ years in PLC/HMI work, 2+ years with Rockwell AB platforms, and strong problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar field.
• 2–3 years system integration experience preferred.
• 5+ years with PLC & HMI programming; Rockwell software expertise required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test and improve machine standards for automated systems.
• Design and program PLC, HMI, robots and related equipment.
• Support installation, troubleshooting and wiring upgrades across the plant.
• Lead continuous improvement to reduce cycle time and improve quality.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and assist teams as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotic welding control

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation

AB CompactLogix

GuardLogix

PanelView Plus

Robotic welding systems

Job description

**Who We Are:** Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations. Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success! Challenge is *#QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!* **Who We Want:**Responsible for machine standardization, launch, troubleshooting, maintaining and improvement of highly automated controls, robotic and welding systems. This is often accomplished in demanding situations with tight deadlines.**What You’ll Do:*** Development, testing and improvement of current machine standards.* As needed design and program PLC, HMI, robots and other types of electronic or electrical manufacturing equipment.* Provide support for installation, controls issues and wiring upgrades on equipment, companywide. Assist in and occasionally lead in the trouble shooting of malfunctioning equipment.* Continuous improvement activities such as cycle time reduction, standardization of existing equipment and incorporation of error proofing strategies.**When and Where:**This will be a **1st Shift / 6:30AM-3:30PM** **M-F** position located at our **Plant in Walker, MI**.**What You Need to Have:*** Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other engineering discipline.* System integration experience of 2-3 years is preferred* 5+ years of experience with PLC & HMI programming.* Minimum of 2 years’ experience with Rockwell software and AB CompactLogix, GuardLogix, panelview plus platforms.* Design skills: Able to designing and creating prints* Electrical knowledge: Install hardware and wiring,* Technical Skills: Program and debug of automated robotic welding, sealing, fastening and assembly systems.* Able to program Panel View (HMI) and PLC.* Creative Thinking: Effective problem solving and troubleshooting skills* Attention to Detail: Able to manage project details to ensure perfect quality in work output.* Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills* Teamwork Skills: Able to work collaboratively with different team members and different levels of the organization (internal and external)* Computer Modeling: Able to utilize computer aided modeling to ensure that workout meets the needs of the customer (internal and external)* Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.* Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.* Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.* Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of internal and external customers.* Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.* Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.* Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.* Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.### Who We AreChallenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is ***#QualityDriven** and **#PeoplePowered!***### What We OfferWe’re excited to offer a range of awesome benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options, an Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, a Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off.Please note, while these benefits are part of what we offer, they may not all apply to this specific role. The details shared in this job description are intended to give you a general idea, but duties and responsibilities may evolve over time, with or without notice. And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.