Controls Engineer - Body
Slate Auto
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Job summary
Slate is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer – Body to support the launch and ongoing operation of automated manufacturing systems at the Warsaw Assembly Plant. This hands‑on role requires strong Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning skills.
The engineer will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, and integrators to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation and improvements in production performance.
Qualifications
- BS in Electronics, Controls, Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering.
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing controls and automation, preferably automotive Body manufacturing.
- Experience programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning Allen-Bradley PLCs and safety controllers using Studio 5000, and HMIs using FactoryTalk View.
Responsibilities
- Resolve controls, automation, and equipment issues affecting the Body Department.
- Develop and optimize PLC, HMI, and equipment control systems to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and reliability.
- Support automated equipment, tooling, conveyors, and material handling through control logic and system integration.
- Review control sequences and equipment risks; analyze process data to identify and implement improvements.
- Support equipment design reviews, commissioning, validation builds, and Launch/Model Year Change activities.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.
At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.
Slate is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer – Body to support the launch and ongoing operation of automated manufacturing systems at the Warsaw Assembly Plant. This hands‑on role requires strong Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning skills. The engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, and equipment integrators to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation and improve production performance.
- Resolve controls, automation, and equipment issues affecting the Body Department.
- Develop and optimize PLC, HMI, and equipment control systems to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and reliability.
- Support automated equipment, tooling, conveyors, and material handling through control logic and system integration.
- Review control sequences and equipment risks; analyze process data to identify and implement improvements.
- Support equipment design reviews, commissioning, validation builds, and Launch/Model Year Change activities.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and equipment integrators to resolve controls issues and improve equipment performance.
- Coordinate control system integration, equipment modifications, and model change-over activities.
- Work with EHS and Engineering to validate safety circuits, interlocks, and equipment operating modes.
- Partner with IT to support industrial networks, production data collection, and MES integration.
- Follow Engineering standards and change management requirements.
- Implement and maintain process interlocks, error-proofing, parameter monitoring, and traceability.
- Monitor process indicators and address controls-related deviations to prevent defects.
- Support integration and validation of automated inspection and process control systems.
- Analyze equipment data and recurring faults to support root cause analysis and performance improvements.
- Maintain program backups, electrical schematics, network documentation, and equipment recovery procedures.
- Document and validate control system changes.
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics, Controls, Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering.
- Technical training in PLCs, robotics, industrial networks, or machine safety preferred.
- 6+ years of hands‑on experience in manufacturing controls and automation, preferably in automotive Body manufacturing.
- Hands‑on experience programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning Allen‑Bradley PLCs and safety controllers using Studio 5000, and HMIs using FactoryTalk View, required.
- Experience integrating robots, welding systems, conveyors, and inspection equipment.
- Experience supporting equipment commissioning, production launches, and modifications with suppliers and integrators.
- Proficiency in Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, GuardLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View required.
- Strong understanding of equipment sequencing, fault diagnostics, recovery, cycle time optimization, and OEE.
- Working knowledge of EtherNet/IP networks and industrial device integration.
- Understanding of machine safety, safety interlocks, and safe equipment operation.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Working knowledge of robot interfaces, MES integration, and production traceability.
- Strong root cause analysis, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and lead technical discussions.
- Siemens PLC/HMI experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to work on the production floor more than 50% of the time.
- Flexibility to support additional controls and automation responsibilities as needed.
- Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana. Relocation assistance will be provided.
We’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Slate’s start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
- Safety First
- Delight Customers
- One Team
- Relentless Improvement
- Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
- Respectful Collaboration
- Positive Legacy
Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affimative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.
Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto
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