Controls Engineer (2nd Shift)

US Diversity Job Search; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain in Michigan's Sterling Heights area seeks a Controls Engineer to design, develop, and support plant electrical control systems. You will install and maintain PLC-based hardware/software, ensure safety standards, and drive continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

You will modify PLC programs, troubleshoot using Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality, and contribute to Factory 4.0 initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 5+ years in automotive manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens) required.
• Experience with robotics (ABB and Fanuc) preferred.
• Experience with HMI programming (RS Logic Suite, FTView, Siemens) required.
• Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, DH+, RIO, DeviceNet, ControlNet, RS232 networks.
• Ability to read and design electrical schematics and diagrams.
• Continuous improvement mindset and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Factory 4.0 concepts.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute installations, upgrades and continuous improvements with internal and external resources.
• Read, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens).
• Collaborate with Manufacturing/Quality to resolve quality issues.
• Proactively propose improvements to plant performance and reliability.
• Create programs to minimize downtime.
• Ensure real-time checks and safe shutdowns on malfunctions.
• Monitor sensors and parameters in real time for process compliance.
• Document and maintain well-commented PLC programs for operator use.
• Optimize processes to maximize capabilities and minimize wear.
• Support Factory 4.0 implementation and maintain control schematics.
• Develop backup programs for all software in multiple locations.
• Design and improve machine controls (CNC, robotics, transfer systems, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, vision).
• Troubleshoot equipment and facility problems; assist in defining requirements for new equipment.
• Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance activities.

Skills

PLC knowledge

Robotics

HMI programming

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

AS400

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.

What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Job Responsibilities:

Objective: The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising all aspects of the plant electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. Responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC-based hardware and software. The goal is to ensure that the plant is running smoothly and efficiently while also meeting quality and safety standards. The Controls Engineer design, implement and maintain processes that help manufacturers increase productivity.

Responsibilities, Duties and Authority:

• Responsible to plan and execute new installations, upgrades and continuous improvements with internal and external resources to support our business goals and objectives.
• Reads, modifies, and troubleshoots PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens preferred) using laptop computer.
• Work with Manufacturing and/or Quality to solve customer Quality issues Analyze plant processes and help make improvements based on extensive knowledge of electronics, engineering, and mechanics.
• Proactively develops improvement suggestions to improve plant performance, equipment reliability and uptime.
• Creates programs to minimize and limit down time.
• Ensures that error proofing devices are programmed to be checked real time and processes are stopped when malfunctions are detected.
• Ensures that all sensors, processes and relevant parameters are checked in real time to ensure process compliance and processes are stopped when malfunctions are detected.
• Writes programs in a manner that has sufficient information and is available to the operators so trouble shooting can be done by operators.
• Writes programs in a manner that the process capabilities are maximize and equipment wear and tear is kept to a minimum possible.
• Supporting implementation of Factory 4.0.
• Create, verify, and maintain electrical control schematics and program documentation.
• Create and maintain backup programs for all programs and software in both locations to prevent loss.
• Design, develop and improve new machine controls including CNC, robotics, transfer systems, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic, and vision systems.
• Responsible to trouble shoot equipment and facility problems as they arise.
• Support in defining of Statement of Requirements, specifications and standards in respect to controls and programming portion for new and modified equipment.
• Assists in creation of and performs preventative and predictive maintenance activities as assigned.
• Repair of equipment as needed.
• Develop a Maintenance program for control systems, programs and perform maintenance.
• Continually improve the PM program for control systems.
• Ensure that company policies and procedures are adhered to including IATF 16949, Mafact, ISO14001 (EMS), and Employee Handbook.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out projects from beginning to end in coordination with internal and external resources.
• Able to work in teams as well as independently on work assignments.
• Follows MIOSHA, Magna and MPTSH safety regulations and policies, including wearing required P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Reports unsafe conditions to Supervisor/Leader.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology certification or 5 plus years of equivalent experience and education. Must have a minimum of 5 years' experience in the automotive manufacturing environment. Must have strong knowledge of PLC's (Allen Bradley and Siemens). Knowledge of robotics (ABB and Fanuc) preferred. Experience of HMI programming including but not limited to: RS Logic Suite, FTView, and Siemens Programming Suite required. Must have knowledge of various networks such as Ethernet/IP, DH+, RIO, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and RS232. Must be able to interpret and design electrical schematics. Must have continuous improvement minded and must understand the "7 wastes" to write effective programs. Must have ability to multitask. Must be adaptable, striving to find creative solutions to problems as they arise. Working knowledge of OmniLinks and Wintress preferred.

Additional Skills:

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions in English and correspondence such as safety rules and operating instructions.
• Ability to document forms as required by position.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent.

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of AS400.
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Mechanical Skills:

• Must be comfortable with running and trouble-shooting machinery or has shown aptitude working on electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Reasoning Skills:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Problem Solving Skills:

• Is able to conduct individually or in team settings structured problem solving.
• Understands and can apply 5 Why mythology, Skillful in analysis of problems, research to identify root causes and find solutions, creativity to find robust and effective solutions to problems.
• Able to make decisions based on available information.
• Has sufficient technical knowledge to support effective problem solving.

Communication Skills:

• Active listening, Assertive communication, has sufficient level of emotional intelligence.

Physical Demands:

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk and listen. The employee must frequently general good health to meet fast paced environment, and sometimes high stress situations. Must be able to function in very fast pace moving environment. The employee is occasionally required to; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is in an office setting and plant floor. The noise level in the office environment is usually low to moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to low levels of vibration. The employee may be required to be on the production floor where they would be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the production environment is usually moderate to loud.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law. AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:Regular / PermanentGroup:Magna Powertrain