Controls Engineer - 2nd shift

IFA Powertrain Polska; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

IFA Powertrain Polska seeks a controls technician skilled in PLC logic, machine troubleshooting, and automated production systems. You will diagnose issues in Siemens PLC/840D environments, participate in upgrades, and support engineering with documentation and installations.

Expect to collaborate with German teams, interpret electrical drawings, and contribute to process improvements within a large manufacturing facility.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or AS with equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in a manufacturing environment.
• 2–4 years in machine building or automation troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and fix problems with high-volume automated production and CNC equipment (Siemens PLC, 840D, drives, vision, servo).
• Lead projects for upgrades, document in maintenance databases (Work Orders).
• Support engineering and update equipment documentation.
• Collaborate with machine builders and colleagues in Germany.
• Read and modify electrical drawings, schematics, GD&T-labeled drawings.
• Assist in machine installation and moves from a controls perspective.

Skills

PLC Logic & Troubleshooting

Blueprints & Schematics

GD&T Understanding

Automation Troubleshooting

Machine Building

Siemens PLC/840D

Robot Programming & Vision

Industrial Networking

Mechatronics

Servo & Pneumatics

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Associates in Engineering with equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens S7

Siemens 840D

HMI Software

Profibus & Ethernet

Vision Systems

Load Cells & Dispensing Systems

Job description

Responsible for the troubleshooting and repair of complex PLC controlled production machinery and equipment including equipment failures and process related issues. Includes diagnosis, troubleshooting, breakdown, preventative and predictive measures, as well as the implementation of long term corrective measures. Work is of the technical nature where independent judgment is used and decisions are made within the limits of general practice policies. Works with minimal supervision and communicates progress effectively.

Essential Functions

• Diagnose and correct problems with high volume automated production and CNC machining equipment (primarily Siemens PLC, Siemens 840D controllers, drives, vision systems, servo systems)
• Perform complete projects related to improvement and upgrades of above equipment, including documentation via maintenance management databases (i.e. Work Orders).
• Provide assistance to engineering personnel as needed
• Update documentation for equipment
• Complete miscellaneous assignments as required
• Work in coordination with representatives from various machine builders and colleagues from Germany
• Interpret, understand and modify electrical drawing and schematics
• Be involved in machine installation and moves from a controls technician perspective
• Participates in teams and cross-functional groups
• Provides technical assistance and support to manufacturing operations
• Ability to complete projects from beginning to end with little supervision
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; or Associates of Science in in engineering field with equivalent experience

Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar field within a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 2 to 4 years previous experience in machine building or automation troubleshooting

Specific Skills

• Advanced knowledge of PLC logic and related controls. Understanding of manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacturing
• Basic knowledge in spatial geometry and trigonometry
• Ability to interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and drawings, understand GD&T
• High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
• Aptitude for learning new software and hardware systems
• Ability to read and understand ladder logic and electrical one line diagrams
• Proficiency in electrical trouble shooting
• Experience in machine building and automation troubleshooting
• Understanding of manufacturing processes
• PLC programming - esp (Siemens S7, 840D controller) or equivalent, HMI software
• Industrial networking (Profibus, Ethernet)
• Mechatronics
• Robot programming and troubleshooting
• Vision systems, 2D laser profiles, Servo controls (Promess preferred), load cells, dispensing systems
• Pneumatics and Hydraulics
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (ie Excel, Outlook) computer software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and oral with all levels within the organization
• Understand the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to achieving quality objectives (UNIVERSAL per IATF 16949).
• Understanding of ISO 14001.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk/move about a 250,000 sq ft manufacturing facility: 80% of the time
• Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
• Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
• Must be able to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
• Must be able to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
• Must be able to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
• Must be able to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
• Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
• Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
• Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required