Engineer, Controls-2

Magna International; Highland Park, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International is seeking a skilled Controls Technologist to design, develop, and install PLC-based control systems for automotive seating applications. You will commission electrical and function validation equipment, optimize HMI displays, and collaborate with IT on SCADA integrations to improve system reliability.

The role requires strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen Bradley), HMI tooling, and robotics, with a focus on safety, documentation, and cross-functional teamwork within Magna Seating.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or equivalent in electrical/electronic/mechatronic engineering or related field.
• Trades certification with significant work experience is a plus.
• Experience as Controls Technologist or related IT field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and install new PLC-based control systems.
• Onsite commissioning of electrical and function validation equipment.
• Maintain and modify HMI displays and graphics (Citec, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000).
• Provide technical support during project execution of Electrical and Function Test equipment.
• Monitor hardware/software interface reliability and implement improvements.
• Produce and update design documentation and specifications.
• Write and execute machine startup, testing and qualification activities.
• Collaborate with IT to optimize communications via SCADA (e.g., Cimplicity).
• Support robotic systems (Fanuc, Universal Robots).
• Deploy and maintain Safety PLCs, area scanners, and light curtains.
• Support error-proofing devices (Kenyence, Cognex, SICK).
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Electrical control systems

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Robotics basics

Communication skills

Education

Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronic engineering degree

Trades certification

Tools

RSLogix500/5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Cimplicity

RSLogix/PanelView

Vision systems (Keyence/Cognex/IFM/Omron)

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

Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenient and connected.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design, development and installation of new PLC based control systems, as well as onsite commissioning of electrical and function validation equipment with a focus on I/O checkout, system testing and start-up support.
• Maintain and modify Human Machine Interface (HMI) displays and graphics via multiple computer systems e.g., Citec, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000.
• Provide technical competence during project execution of Electrical and Function Test equipment.
• Monitor the quality of the hardware and software interface/integration and suggest changes to improve reliability.
• Provides production support for machine PLC issues, and analyzing equipment performance issues by troubleshooting the causes and develop and execute the appropriate corrective action(s).
• Produce and update documents including work/user instructions, functional specifications, detailed design specifications, electrical and pneumatic schematics, etc.
• Conduct machine functionality and fault recovery testing and participates in project startup and machine commissioning.
• Work collaboratively with IT department to optimize communications using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software i.e., cimplicity.
• Working knowledge of developing and maintaining robotic equipment i.e., Fanuc, Universal Robots etc.
• Working knowledge of deploying and maintaining electronic safety systems i.e., Safety PLC’s Area Scanners, Light curtains etc.
• Working knowledge of deploying and maintaining error proofing devices such as Kenyence, Congnex, SICK visions systems.
• Other duties assigned as required.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and/or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Certification/Licensure

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronic or similar Engineering degree/diploma/certificate or equivalent preferred.
• Trades Certification with significant work experience preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Controls Technologist or related IT related field preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and various manufacturing/business information software.
• Basic knowledge in the following software packages: Allen Bradley RSLogix500/5000, Factory Talk View Studio.
• Understand and apply basic ladder logic principles, control for I/O, ability to understand PLC commands and HMI usage.
• Demonstrated experience in Electrical Control System Design and PLC programming troubleshooting.
• Ability to work overtime as per job requirements.
• Knowledge of industrial networks. (DeviceNet, EthernetIP, IO-Link, Point IO)
• Familiar with Vision Systems (Keyence, Cognex, IFM, Omron)
• Demonstrated use of electrical devices (i.e. proximity switches, load cells, LVDT’s, signal conditioners, etc.).
• Ability to read and understand technical documents, schematic design specification.
• Basic electrical and motor controls, Allen Bradley PLC controls, including RSLogix500 and RSLogix5000 platforms, RS Logix, PanelView and PanelView Plus HMI applications, IFM and Keyence inspection camera applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Work performed in an office and/or manufacturing plant environment. Normal mobility to move around an office and/or manufacturing environment required. Must be able to perform work on a computer. Continuously walks and stands. Frequently performs fine finger movements, grips/grasps, push/pulls, bends/stoops, and lifts and carries material/parts up to thirty (30) lbs. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or overtime as needed.

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.

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 Seating

We see a future where everyone can live and move without limitations. That’s why we are developing technologies, systems and concepts that make vehicles safer and cleaner, while serving our communities, the planet and, above all, people. In the right environment, your ideas can turn into industry-changing automotive technologies and improve the lives of people around the world. Let's create the future of mobility, together.

Learn more about us: Sustainability Innovation Interview-Tips