Controls Engineer (2nd Shift)

Magna International; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International in Sterling Heights is hiring a Controls Engineer to design, develop, and supervise the plant's electrical control systems. This role involves ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards while providing installation and technical support for PLC-based hardware.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience, with a strong focus on PLC programming and a minimum of five years in an automotive setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens) required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and supervise plant electrical control systems.
• Plan and execute installations and improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve quality issues.

Skills

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley and Siemens)

Electrical schematics interpretation

CNC and robotics knowledge

Creativity and problem-solving

Mathematical skills

Mechanical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

AS400

Job description

Job Overview

Controls Engineer – responsible for designing, developing, and supervising all aspects of plant electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. The role involves installation and technical support of PLC-based hardware and software, ensuring the plant operates smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute new installations, upgrades, and continuous improvements with internal and external resources.
• Read, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens preferred) using laptop computers.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve customer quality issues and analyze plant processes for improvements.
• Develop improvement suggestions to enhance plant performance, equipment reliability, and uptime.
• Create programs that minimize downtime and enforce real‑time error proofing and process compliance.
• Maintain electrical control schematics and program documentation.
• Backup all programs and software at both locations to prevent loss.
• Design, develop, and improve new machine controls, including CNC, robotics, transfer systems, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and vision systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment and facility problems as they arise.
• Define Statement of Requirements, specifications, and standards for controls and programming for new and modified equipment.
• Perform preventative and predictive maintenance activities.
• Repair equipment as needed and develop a maintenance program for control systems.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures, including IATF 16949, Mafact, ISO 14001 (EMS), and the Employee Handbook.
• Carry out projects from inception to completion, coordinating with internal and external resources.
• Work independently and within teams on assigned tasks.
• Follow MIOSHA, Magna, and MPTS safety regulations and policies, including wearing required PPE.
• Report unsafe conditions to supervisor or leader.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology certification, or five or more years of equivalent experience and education. Minimum five years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. Must have strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens), HMI programming (RS Logic Suite, FTView, Siemens Programming Suite), and networks such as Ethernet/IP, DH+, RIO, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and RS232. Knowledge of robotics (ABB and Fanuc) and OMNILinks and Wintress is preferred. Must be capable of interpreting and designing electrical schematics, understand the “7 wastes,” and possess multitasking and creative problem‑solving skills.

Additional Skills

Language Skills: Read and comprehend instructions in English; document forms as required.

Mathematical Skills: Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

Computer Skills: Knowledge of AS400 and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Mechanical Skills: Comfortable running and troubleshooting machinery; aptitude for electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

Reasoning Skills: Apply common sense to carry out written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions; handle problems with multiple variables.

Problem‑Solving Skills: Conduct individual or team structured problem solving; apply 5‑Why methodology; analyze root causes and develop robust solutions.

Communication Skills: Active listening, assertive communication, and sufficient emotional intelligence.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing and walking; reach with hands and arms; frequent talking and listening. Must be in good health to work in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment. Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Requires close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Office setting and plant floor; low to moderate office noise; occasional low vibration exposure. On the production floor, exposure to moving mechanical parts; moderate to loud noise.

EEO Statement

Magna is an equal‑opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. Magna respects the privacy of your personal information and discourages sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR and local data protection laws.