Controls Engineer C-Crew

Piston Automotive; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & vacation

Medical & Rx plans

Dental & Vision plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Vehicle and product discounts

Job summary

Piston Automotive in Kansas City, KS is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, document and improve control systems for production processes. You will coordinate projects from sourcing through SOP, transfer equipment docs, and support cost estimations for capital and tooling.

The role requires PLC programming, vision system integration, HMI programming, and collaboration with automation vendors. You will drive lean initiatives, support maintenance, and help ensure reliable, scalable control

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• 2-4 years of experience in PLC programming for various assembly and conveyor systems.
• 2-4 years programming Vision Systems (Cognex, DVT, Keyence).
• 2-4 years of experience in HMI programming (PanelView).
• 2+ years of experience with JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems.
• Experience with Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, RSLogix 5000/500 etc.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and calculate machine performance and requirements utilizing the PLC.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement and track assigned projects.
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for projects.
• Interface with automation and capital equipment vendors for control solutions.
• Provide controls guidance in equipment selection and operations.
• Integrate and network PCs and PLCs (TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP).
• Support controls-related issues to prevent downtime.
• Drive lean concepts (5S, OEE, Kanban, Visual Factory, TPM).
• Implement process improvements including automation.
• Collaborate on controls communications, design reviews and feasibility studies.
• Support Purchasing in evaluating new suppliers and technologies.
• Benchmark processes and equipment for Piston Standards.
• Provide guidance to Maintenance Technicians to strengthen the team.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Vision systems

JIT manufacturing

Assembly systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

RSLogix 5000

PanelView Plus

AutoCAD

Job description

The Controls Engineer is responsible for creating, documenting, developing, supporting and improving upon the control systems that are essential to the production processes. Involvement will range from initial project sourcing all the way through SOP +90 days, or as required for corporate employees or launch through EOP plant employees. Both may be required to support implementation of engineering changes for current production products. You will provide your controls expertise to help in tooling design and automation for new projects and process changes driven by product engineering changes. Additionally, responsible for the transfer of 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). Participating in the development of RFQ's and Equipment Specifications for Capital and Tooling Requirements. Responsible for programming torque control systems and joint development. Selection of error and mistake proofing devices. Supports Engineering Cost Estimator to supply quoted assumptions for the assembly process requirements, capital / tooling investments and direct / indirect labor. Help establish design goals, process and equipment specifications for Controls and Electrical power distribution systems.

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

Hours

C Crew - 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Sunday/Monday night - 6AM-4:30pm Friday/Saturday

Responsibilities

• Analyze and calculate machine performance and requirements utilizing the PLC.
• Responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation and tracking of assigned projects.
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for assigned projects.
• Main interface with automation and capital equipment vendors for control solutions.
• Provide controls guidance in equipment selection, overall operations and future expansion.
• Integrating and networking PC's and PLC's (TCP/IP, EthernetIP).
• Provide support for Controls related issues, as required, to prevent or minimize production downtime.
• Drive lean concepts (5S, OEE, Kanban, Visual Factory, TPM etc.) throughout the organization.
• Implement process improvements to improve overall efficiencies, including automation.
• Collaborate on all controls related communication internally and externally, including technical presentation, design reviews, capacity analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Supports Purchasing in evaluation of new suppliers, products and technologies to help maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
• Benchmarking processes and equipment throughout the industry and incorporating into Piston Standards.
• Provide guidance to Maintenance Technicians helping develop skillsets and strengthen the team.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in Engineering, Programming.
• 2-4 years of experience in PLC programming (Allen Bradley Micro Logic, SLC 500's, ControlLogix 5000 processors) for Manual Assembly Cells, Automated Assembly Cells and Power & Free conveyor systems.
• A minimum of 2-4 years programming of Vision Systems (Cognex, DVT, Keyence).
• 2-4 years of experience HMI programming (AB PanelView and PanelView Plus).
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems, including broadcast analysis from customer trigger through customer installation.
• 2 years of experience with Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies, including both mechanical and control systems.
• A minimum of 2 years of technical experience required (Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Power Point, AutoCAD, RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, RS View, ex.).

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.