Group Controls Engineer

Magna International; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Seating in Novi, Michigan seeks a senior controls engineering professional to lead development, standardization, and integration of industrial controls across manufacturing operations. Focus areas include PLCs, HMIs, machine networks, vision systems, and advanced controls to enable reliable, scalable systems.

You will partner with the Group Controls Manager to advance NA controls strategy, support equipment integration and debugging, and deploy standardized controls across multiple plants,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Minimum 5+ years in industrial controls and manufacturing automation
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell PLCs and HMI development
• Knowledge of robotics integration and vision systems
• Familiarity with industrial networks and safety standards

Responsibilities

• Serve as NA controls engineering SME across manufacturing operations
• Develop, document, and maintain standardized PLC programming structures and HMI guidelines
• Support integration of controls with robotics, vision systems, sensors, and equipment
• Support rollout of group controls standards across multiple plants
• Provide hands-on support for controls integration during equipment build, commissioning, and startup

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics integration

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Controls

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Omron

Cognex Vision

Keyence Vision

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection.

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:

Serves as a North America controls engineering subject matter expert, responsible for supporting the development, standardization, and implementation of industrial controls systems across manufacturing operations. Focuses on PLCs, HMIs, machine-level networks, vision integration, and advanced controls applications to enable reliable, scalable, and standardized manufacturing systems.

Supports the Group Controls Manager in executing the North America controls strategy and roadmap. Provides technical support to divisions for equipment integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, while contributing to the development of global controls standards and best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing requirements, quote packages, and business cases to support development of cost-effective controls solutions for new and existing programs.
• Support controls assessments, define scope of work (SOW), and assist in development of controls architecture and system concepts.
• Develop, document, and maintain standardized PLC programming structures, HMI design guidelines, and controls architectures across all facilities.
• Support implementation and adoption of group controls standards, ensuring consistency and scalability across multiple plants.
• Provide hands‑on support for controls integration during equipment build, commissioning, and launch activities.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, and related control systems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Omron or equivalent).
• Support integration of controls systems with robotics, vision systems, sensors, and manufacturing equipment.
• Assist in deployment and validation of vision systems and advanced controls applications in manufacturing environments.
• Support divisional teams with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for controls‑related downtime.
• Participate in automation projects, supporting controls scope including design reviews, specifications, and system integration activities.
• Contribute to development and continuous improvement of controls standards, reusable code libraries, and best practices.
• Develop and implement advanced controls and Industry 4.0 solutions, including predictive maintenance, condition‑based monitoring, real‑time diagnostics, data collection, and integration with higher‑level OT/MES systems.
• Support pilot projects and proof‑of‑concept (POC) development for advanced controls and smart manufacturing technologies, enabling validation, scalability, and deployment across manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborate with Automation, Robotics, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety teams to ensure successful system implementation and performance.
• Provide technical support and training to plant engineering, maintenance, and production teams on controls systems and standards.
• Support use of simulation, offline programming, and virtual commissioning tools where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety and controls‑related safety standards (OSHA, MIOSHA, RIA, and corporate requirements).
• Support internal and external audits related to ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949, ensuring controls systems meet quality system requirements.
• Support and comply with Standard Operating Procedure 8000 (Quality Management System).
• Identify and implement improvements to controls systems to enhance reliability, standardization, and performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture in controls implementation and troubleshooting activities.

Qualifications

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

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Special Knowledge/Skills

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in industrial controls, PLC programming, and manufacturing automation systems.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC platforms (Rockwell) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of controls integration with robotics, vision systems, sensors, and industrial equipment.
• Experience supporting equipment commissioning, debugging, and production startup activities.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols at the machine level.
• Familiarity with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence or similar) and their integration into control systems.
• Exposure to advanced controls and Industry 4.0 concepts such as data collection, diagnostics, and connected equipment.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support multi‑site operations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Normal amount of sitting, standing, and walking. Average mobility to move around an office and manufacturing environment, able to conduct work at a computer, with travel required to support plant integration and project implementation.

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 Seating