Manufacturing Electrical Equipment Engineer

Daimler Truck North America; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 74,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401k with company match

4 weeks paid vacation

13+ holidays

8 weeks paid parental leave

Healthcare plans

On-site fitness

Tuition assistance

Disability plans

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America in Detroit, MI, is seeking a Controls Engineer to support machining and assembly equipment on multiple production lines. You will troubleshoot PLC, CNC, HMI, and robotics, improve device-level networks, and drive controls improvements across automated systems.

Collaborating with maintenance, mechanical engineering, skilled trades, and operations teams, you’ll apply problem-solving and leadership skills to ensure uptime, safety, and efficient production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and drive systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support PLC, CNC, HMI, and robotic control systems to maintain uptime.
• Diagnose and improve device-level networks, servo systems, and VFDs.
• Support and enhance machining monitoring systems and data integration.
• Apply controls engineering solutions to optimize processes and support new equipment launches.
• Assist with controls specifications, design reviews, and commissioning for new machining equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support to machining operations and maintenance teams.
• Collaborate with skilled trades and engineers to diagnose equipment failures and implement solutions.
• Interpret technical drawings and OEM docs to support troubleshooting and repair.

Skills

PLC systems

HMIs

Robotics

VFDs

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley controls

Job description

Inside the Role Kickstart your engineering career in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment! Join a high-performing manufacturing team supporting advanced machining operations for heavy-duty engines. As a Controls Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of machining and assembly equipment across multiple production lines, including blocks, heads, connecting rods, liners, and turbo machining operations. This role offers a strong mix of hands‑on troubleshooting, systems integration, and project‑based work in a highly automated environment. You’ll collaborate cross‑functionally with maintenance, mechanical engineering, skilled trades, and operations teams to keep production running efficiently and safely. This job offers hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment from day one; exposure to engine and drivetrain assembly processes; opportunity to build technical, problem‑solving, and leadership skills; direct interaction with shop floor teams, leadership, and cross‑functional partners; and a strong foundation for career growth in manufacturing, product engineering, or operations leadership.

Posting Information We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team Position offers a starting salary range of $74,000 - $94,000 USD Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

• annual bonus program
• 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
• starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
• 13+ calendar holidays
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• employee assistance program
• comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
• onsite fitness (at some locations)
• tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
• short-term and long-term disability plans

What You Drive at DTNA

• Troubleshoot and support PLC, CNC, HMI, and robotic control systems to maintain uptime and resolve production issues
• Diagnose and improve device-level networks, servo systems, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Support and enhance machining monitoring systems, including integration with higher-level data systems
• Apply controls engineering solutions to optimize existing processes and support new equipment launches
• Assist with controls specifications, design reviews, and commissioning for new machining equipment
• Provide hands‑on technical support to machining operations and maintenance teams
• Partner with skilled trades, supervisors, and engineers to diagnose equipment failures and implement solutions
• Interpret and apply technical drawings and OEM documentation to support effective troubleshooting and repair
• Participate in cross-functional teams and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in a shared weekend production support rotation

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field
• 6 months+ of experience with/exposure to industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics and drive systems
• Internship, co-op, apprenticeship, military, project or professional experience may be considered
• Exposure to one or more of the following: PLCs, HMIs, robotics, CNC equipment, industrial networks, servo systems, or VFDs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and technical documentation
• Ability to occasionally work weekends to support production
• An attached resume is required
• Exceptional Candidates Might Have Hands‑on manufacturing experience through internships, co‑ops, apprenticeships, military service, academic projects, or professional employment
• Exposure to platforms such as Siemens (Step 7, TIA Portal, 840D) or Allen‑Bradley controls systems
• Familiarity with robotics (e.g., Fanuc), vision systems (e.g., Cognex), or laser systems
• Knowledge of fluid systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, coolant systems)
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, fastening, or assembly operations
• Awareness of systems like SAP, Maximo, or similar maintenance/asset management tools
• Experience leveraging AI tools and technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, or business outcomes

#LI-CF1 #LI-ONSITE

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type: Onsite At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future - building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all. That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions EEO - Disabled/Veterans

EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status. For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE. CHANGE THE WORLD.

Are you ready to join the inspired people who are helping shape the future of commercial vehicle manufacturing? Our employees enjoy lucrative benefits, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work in jobs across many functions- mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, accounting, sales & marketing, IT and more- both within our company and in our offices around the world.