Lead Controls Engineer: PLC/Automation for Lean Manufacturing

Colonial Group; New Albany (OH); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Ohio is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to plan, design, and manage projects across our manufacturing processes. You will develop and improve controls for equipment, workflows, and production methods, while working on vendor collaborations to meet our product specifications.

The ideal candidate will lead controls implementations, design electrical schematics, and program PLCs/HMIs, ensuring safe, efficient operation and continuous improvement across all sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced plant environment.
• Proven ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma/Lean processes.
• Experience with electrical controls and automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop Control System Requirement Specifications with design engineers based on a Sequence of Operations for equipment.
• Design electrical schematics and enclosure layouts for automation equipment.
• Review and approve electrical drawings in AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD.
• Create BOMs, request quotes from vendors, and submit purchase requisitions internally.
• Ensure controls implementations are safe and efficient.
• Assist maintenance with troubleshooting plant floor issues.
• Lead controls projects and coordinate with vendors for installations and modifications.
• Develop test protocols and conduct testing for systems.
• Program PLCs (Allen-Bradley) and HMIs (PanelBuilder32, FactoryTalk View Studio).
• Support CNC, servo motion, and EthernetIP communications as needed.

Skills

Automation design

Controls engineering

PLC programming

HMI configuration

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

AutoCAD

PanelBuilder32

FactoryTalk View Studio

RSLogix 500/5000

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Ignition

Siemens automation

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will plan, design, manage projects and support the manufacturing processes at our facility. In addition, this individual will work on maximizing efficiencies through development and improvements to the controls of equipment, workflows, production methods, and work force utilization. In addition, the Controls Engineer will determine the parts and tools needed to achieve our set manufacturing goals according to our product specifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Development of Control System Requirement Specifications with Automation/System Design Engineers based on a Sequence of Operations for existing and new equipment.

· Design electrical schematics and enclosure layouts for custom assembly and process automation equipment

· Review and Approve Electrical Drawings, AutoCAD Electrical & AutoCAD

· Create material BOMs, request quotes from vendors, and submit purchase requisitions internally to purchasing department

· Ensure controls implementations work safely and efficiently

· Assist Maintenance/Technicians with troubleshooting on plant floor issues, supporting production/plant operations at all manufacturing sites

· Act as the Controls Lead on projects both internal and external. Executing technical consultation involving vendors for electrical/controls installations and modifications

· Development of Test Protocols and Testing Execution

· PLC - Allen-Bradley (Micrologix, SLC, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, RSLogix500/5000)

· HMI – PanelBuider32, FactoryTalk View Studio

· Other PLC/HMI - Automation Direct/Mitsubishi/Omron/Siemens

· Programing to support Pneumatic logic, Continuous and Batch Process Control, Servo Motion Control Troubleshooting and Programming, EthernetIP Communications, Inductive Automation – Ignition, Robot Programming – Fanuc/Denso, and CNC Machine Controls and Programming

· Knowledge of mechanical press controls

· Computer Systems Networking (LAN)

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of related experience

· At least 2 years of “hands on” experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment

· Basic mechanical experience with related equipment

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a dynamic, high paced environment

· Experience in Six Sigma/Lean processes

· Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal direction.

· Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, developing and executing strategies to solve these problems.