Controls Technician (1st Shift)

Magna International, Inc.; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain seeks an experienced Maintenance Electrician to develop and maintain automated and electrical systems at our Michigan facility. You will install, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based controls, robotics, and motor drives to ensure safe, efficient operations while coordinating with production and quality teams.

The role requires hands-on expertise in Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, AS400 and MS Office, plus strong problem solving and teamwork to drive continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC's (Allen Bradley and Siemens) for troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of robotics (ABB and Fanuc).
• Must be able to interpret and design electrical schematics.
• Knowledge of AC and DC motors and variable speed controllers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated and electrical systems.
• Install/maintain and inspect control systems throughout the facility.
• Troubleshoot PLC-based hardware and software.
• Plan and execute new installations, upgrades and continuous improvements with internal and external resources.
• Ensure plant safety, quality, and uptime.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics and documentation.
• Provide technical support for maintenance and TPM activities.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Robotics knowledge

Electrical schematics

Maintenance planning

Problem solving

Teamwork/communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

AS400

Microsoft Office

Job description

What we offer

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Job Responsibilities

Objective: Responsible for developing and maintaining automated and electrical systems. Developing, trouble shoot and correcting problems and supervising all aspects of the plant electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. Responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC-based hardware and software. The goal is to ensure that the plant is running smoothly and efficiently while also meeting quality and safety standards. Trouble shoot and maintain processes that help manufacturers increase productivity.

Responsibilities, Duties and Authority: (These duties cover only the more significant responsibilities, they are not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties may be given by the supervisor in addition to, or instead of, those listed here.)

• Analyze and improve performance of existing automated systems
• Install/maintain and inspect control systems throughout the facility
• Troubleshoot non-functioning components including servos, sensors, and control components
• Ensure the calibration of all machines and maintenance after calibration
• Run diagnostic checks and monitor automatic systems
• Responsible to plan and execute new installations, upgrades and continuous improvements with internal and external resources to support our business goals and objectives
• Reads, modifies, and troubleshoots PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and Siemens preferred) using laptop computer
• Work with Manufacturing and/or Quality to solve customer Quality issues
• Analyze plant processes and help make improvements based on extensive knowledge of electronics, engineering, and mechanics
• Develop proactively improvement suggestions to improve plant performance, equipment reliability and uptime
• Creates programs to minimize and limit down time
• Ensures that error proofing devices are programmed to be checked real time and processes are stopped when malfunctions are detected
• Improves equipment uptime and process reliability
• Ensured that all sensors and process relevant parameters are checked real time to ensure process compliance and processes are stopped when malfunctions are detected
• Writes programs in a manner that sufficient information is available to the operators so trouble shooting can be done by operators
• Writes programs in a manner that the process capabilities are maximize and equipment wear and tear is kept to a minimum possible
• Supporting implementation of Factory 4.0
• Flexibility to adjust breaks and lunch times in order support production floor
• Create, verify, and maintain electrical control schematics and program documentation
• Create and maintain backup programs for all programs and software in both locations to prevent loss
• Responsible to trouble shoot equipment and facility problems as they arise
• Support in defining of Statement of Requirements, specifications and standards in respect to controls and programming portion for new and modified equipment
• Assists in creation of and performs preventative and predictive maintenance activities as assigned
• Repair of equipment as needed
• Perform Preventive Maintenance tasks and is involved in TPM
• Completed required Work orders to improve and repair equipment
• Develop a Maintenance program for control systems, programs and perform maintenance
• Performs and maintains backups
• Provides leadership and direction to maintenance personal or operations teams with trouble shooting activities
• Continually improve the PM program for control systems
• Ensure that company policies and procedures are adhered to including IATF 16949, Mafact, ISO14001 (EMS), and Employee Handbook
• Demonstrated ability to carry out projects from beginning to end in coordination with internal and external resources
• Able to work in teams as well as independently on work assignments
• Follows MIOSHA, Magna and MPTSH safety regulations and policies, including wearing required P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Reports unsafe conditions to Supervisor/Leader.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years' experience in the automotive manufacturing environment.
• Must have strong knowledge of PLC's (Allen Bradley and Siemens) for troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of robotics (ABB and Fanuc).
• Must be able to interpret and design electrical schematics.
• Knowledge of AC and DC motors and variable speed controllers.
• Knowledge of pneumatic components and pick and place devices.
• Knowledge of pneumatic components and pick and place devices.
• Knowledge of electrical 110/120/220/480.
• Must be continuous improvement minded and must understand the "7 wastes" to write effective programs.
• Must have ability to multitask.
• Must be adaptable, striving to find creative solutions to problems as they arise.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be able to obtain Hilo, Crane, and/or Aerial lift.

Additional Skills

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions in English and correspondence such as safety rules and operating instructions.
• Ability to document forms as required by position.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent.

Computer Skills

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of AS400.
• Proficiency of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Mechanical Skills

Must be comfortable with running and trouble‑shooting machinery or has shown aptitude working on electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Reasoning Skills

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Problem Solving Skills

• Is able to conduct individually or in team settings structured problem solving.
• Understands and can apply 5 Why mythology, Skillful in analysis of problems, research to identify root causes and find solutions, creativity to find robust and effective solutions to problems.
• Able to make decisions based on available information. Has sufficient technical knowledge to support effective problem solving.

Communication Skills

• Active listening, Assertive communication, has sufficient level of emotional intelligence.

Physical Demands

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk and listen. The employee must be in general good health to meet fast paced environment, and sometimes high stress situations. Must be able to function in very fast pace moving environment. The employee is occasionally required to; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent Group: Magna Powertrain