Plant Controls Engineer

Piston Automotive; Marion (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Plant Controls Engineer to enhance production efficiency and safety. This role involves maintaining and optimizing control systems, leading root cause analyses, and integrating advanced automation technologies. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in engineering, with hands-on experience in PLC and HMI programming, and a passion for continuous improvement. Join a forward-thinking team that values expertise and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the manufacturing process and drive operational excellence.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & vacation

Medical & Rx plans

Dental & vision coverage

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Life & Disability coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vehicle and product discounts

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming for production systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize machine performance using PLC data.
• Lead root cause analysis for systemic and intermittent issues.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to ensure efficiency.

Skills

PLC programming

Vision system programming

HMI programming

Robot programming

Root cause analysis

Team leadership

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Relevant experience in Controls Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join to apply for the Plant Controls Engineer role at Piston Automotive.

The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This position involves supporting and improving existing control systems to ensure optimal production efficiency and safety. The Controls Engineer provides expertise for maintaining ongoing production processes, including implementing and documenting process changes to support continuous improvement and product modifications. Additionally, the engineer helps optimize tooling design and automation processes to minimize production downtime. Candidates should be self-motivated, able to work independently, make decisions confidently, and motivate team members.

Piston Automotive was founded to make things better. We focus on building better teams dedicated to excellence through experience, expertise, and passion. Our assemblies set the standard because our people raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

• Competitive wages, paid holidays & vacation
• Medical & Rx plans, dental & vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability coverage
• 401K with company match, tuition reimbursement
• Vehicle and product discounts

Shift: Onsite - 9:00 am-5:30 pm, Monday-Friday, with flexibility for off-shift projects.

Responsibilities:

1. Analyze and optimize machine performance using PLC data.
2. Lead root cause analysis for systemic and intermittent issues.
3. Select and integrate error-proofing devices to improve quality.
4. Maintain machine Ethernet networks.
5. Conduct safety control program audits.
6. Coordinate and implement projects.
7. Interface with automation and equipment vendors.
8. Manage documentation for new equipment launches, including manuals, BOM, drawings, and spare parts.
9. Lead activities in new product/process manufacturing and suggest improvements.
10. Develop preventive maintenance programs.
11. Support controls issues to reduce downtime.
12. Guide maintenance technicians and develop team skills.
13. Ensure machinery efficiency and safety.
14. Assist with installation and maintenance of equipment.
15. Assess equipment needs and requisition tools and parts.
16. Suggest efficiency improvements to reduce costs.

Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Programming, or related field, or relevant experience.
• At least 2 years as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• Experience with robots in production.
• Knowledge of JIT, SPD, ILVS, and Batch systems.
• Understanding of manual and automated assembly systems and control technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, etc.
• Controls-specific skills include:
• PLC programming (Allen Bradley ControlLogix)
• Vision system programming (Cognex, Keyence)
• HMI programming (FactoryTalk View, PanelView)
• Robot programming and troubleshooting

Piston Automotive is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. For questions, contact us at [e-mail]. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities.