Ground-Up MES & PLC Automation Engineer (Automotive)

North-Point-Technology; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

North Point Technology in Warren, Michigan is seeking an experienced Controls / MES Engineer to lead a ground-up manufacturing automation implementation for a major automotive manufacturer.

This is a new-build development and implementation role focused on designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning controls and manufacturing systems, with emphasis on Rockwell Studio 5000, Ignition, and PLC-to-MES integration.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix and Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000.
• Experience writing new PLC programs from scratch.
• Hands-on experience with Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Experience developing Ignition screens, tags, scripting, and/or application architecture.
• Experience integrating PLCs with MES or manufacturing information systems.
• Understanding of work order validation, traceability, recipes, production reporting, and serial-number tracking.
• Experience commissioning automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across controls hardware, PLC software, industrial networks, and production systems.
• Experience in automotive or other high-volume discrete manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix PLC programs from the ground up using RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.
• Develop PLC architecture including ladder logic, tag structures, UDTs, AOIs, sequencing, diagnostics, alarms, and equipment interfaces.
• Design and build Ignition HMI/SCADA applications, including screens, tags, scripting, alarms, communications, and system configuration.
• Develop and implement communication between PLCs and MES systems.
• Create PLC/MES transaction and handshake logic for manufacturing operations.
• Support work‑order verification, part and serial‑number traceability, recipe/model management, production reporting, and pass/fail transactions.
• Integrate barcode scanners, RFID systems, and other production tracking equipment.
• Configure and integrate Zebra industrial label printers, including generation and implementation of ZPL code.
• Develop automated label‑printing processes tied to production events, work orders, and cycle completion.
• Perform controls system startup, debugging, commissioning, FAT/SAT, and production launch activities.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, MES, networking, and equipment communication issues as needed.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, IT/MES teams, equipment integrators, and plant personnel throughout implementation.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, system architecture, backups, and commissioning records.

Skills

PLC programming

Ignition development

MES integration

HMI development

Industrial networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics/Automation/Industrial Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5000

Studio 5000

Inductive Automation Ignition

ZPL / Zebra printers

Job description

North Point Technology in Warren, Michigan is seeking an experienced Controls / MES Engineer to lead a ground-up manufacturing automation implementation for a major automotive manufacturer.

This is a new-build development and implementation role focused on designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning controls and manufacturing systems, with emphasis on Rockwell Studio 5000, Ignition, and PLC-to-MES integration.