Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

Piston Automotive; Wentzville (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & vacation

Medical & Rx plans

Dental & Vision plans

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Vehicle and product discounts

Job summary

Piston Automotive is seeking a Controls Engineer to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot production control systems. You will lead root-cause analysis, optimize tooling and automation processes, and support continuous improvement while working the 3rd shift (10:30 pm – 6:30 am, Sunday–Thursday with occasional Friday).

The role requires hands-on experience with PLCs, vision systems, HMI, and automation hardware, plus strong documentation and teamwork skills to keep downtime to a minimum and

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is required or equivalent experience.
• Experience maintaining robots in production environments.
• Experience with JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems.
• Strong knowledge of manual and automated assembly systems and technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and PLC/HMI tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize machine performance using PLC data.
• Lead root cause analysis for systemic and intermittent issues.
• Coordinate and implement assigned projects.
• Interface with automation and capital equipment vendors.
• Transfer all equipment and process documentation during new equipment launches (OEM manuals, BOM, drawings, spare parts, PMs).
• Develop preventive maintenance programs in collaboration with plant management.
• Support controls-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Guide maintenance technicians to strengthen the team and skills.

Skills

Robotics maintenance experience

PLC programming

HMI programming

Vision systems programming

Automation systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

2+ years in Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician

Tools

Studio 5000 Logix Designer

FactoryTalk View Studio

PanelView Plus

Cognex/Keyence vision systems

Job description

The Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This position involves supporting and improving existing control systems to ensure optimal production efficiency and safety. The plant Controls Engineer provides expertise for the maintenance of ongoing production processes, including the implementation and documentation of required process changes to support continuous improvement and product changes. The Controls Engineer assists in optimizing tooling design and automation processes to prevent or minimize production downtime. You should be self‑motivated and able to work with minimal direction, make decisions independently, and be able to motivate others to complete the task at hand.

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive? Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement, Vehicle and Product Discounts

3rd Shift - 10:30 pm - 6:30 am Sunday - Thursday with occasional Friday

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize machine performance using PLC data
• Lead root cause analysis for systemic and intermittent issues
• Selection and integration of error and mistake proofing devices to address quality concerns
• Understand and maintain machine Ethernet networksConduct regular audits on safety control programs and devices
• Plan, coordinate, and implement assigned projects
• Interface with automation and capital equipment vendors
• During new equipment launches responsible for transferring all equipment and process documentation to the production plant prior to SOP. This includes all OEM equipment documentation (electronic and hard copies of manuals, BOM, drawings, recommended spare parts and recommended PM’s).
• Lead activities in new product/process manufacturing and recommend improvements
• Develop preventive maintenance programs in collaboration with plant management
• Support controls‑related issues to minimize production downtime
• Guide maintenance technicians to develop skillsets and strengthen the team
• Ensure peak efficiency and safety of all manufacturing machinery and equipment
• Assist in installation and maintenance of machines and tools
• Analyze equipment requirements and assist in requisition of tools and spare parts
• Identify and recommend efficiency improvements to reduce costs

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Programming, or a related field. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 2 years as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• Experience with maintaining robots in production processes
• Experience in JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems.
• Strong knowledge of Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies, including both mechanical and control systems.
• Technical experience required with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Power Point, AutoCAD, Studio 5000 Logix Designer, FactoryTalk View Studio
• Controls Technical proficiency requirement:
• PLC Programming (2-4 years): Allen Bradley ControlLogix 5000 processors
• Vision Systems Programming (2-4 years): Cognex, Keyence
• HMI Programming (2-4 years): FactoryTalk View Studio, PanelView Plus
• Robot Programming: Touchup paths and troubleshoot stoppages

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail]. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.