Controls Engineer - 2nd shift

IFA Powertrain Polska; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IFA Powertrain Polska seeks an experienced Controls Technician to troubleshoot and repair complex PLC‑controlled production machinery, including CNC equipment, drives, vision systems, and servo systems. You will diagnose issues, implement long-term corrective actions, and work with German colleagues in a high‑volume manufacturing setting.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering or AS in engineering with equivalent experience, plus 3–5 years in manufacturing and 2–4 years in machine

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering or AS in engineering with equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years in manufacturing; 2–4 years in machine building or automation troubleshooting.
• Advanced PLC logic knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and schematics with GD&T.
• Experience with Siemens S7 and 840D, and HMI software.
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate across functions and with Germany.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and correct problems with high-volume automated production and CNC equipment.
• Lead projects for upgrades and documentation via maintenance databases.
• Provide assistance to engineering personnel as needed.
• Update equipment documentation and participate in cross-functional teams.
• Interpret drawings/schematics and support installation/moves from a controls perspective.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills

PLC programming

Siemens S7

Siemens 840D

Robot programming

Mechatronics

Industrial networking

HMI software

Electrical troubleshooting

Reading schematics

GD&T

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC hardware

Promess

Vision systems

Profibus

Ethernet/IP

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