Senior Controls Design Engineer III

ATS Industrial Automation; Lewis Center (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K matching

Health benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee share purchase program

Flexible work schedules

Employee events

Job summary

ATS Industrial Automation seeks a Controls Design Engineer to drive machine concepts, control software design, and integration across electrical/mechanical systems. You will program PLCs, PCs, robotics, and motion controllers, with opportunities for world-class automation deployment and international travel.

The role emphasizes PLC and motion control platforms, working in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team to deliver automated solutions and site installations globally.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in engineering design, development, programming and commissioning automated systems, custom machinery or industrial equipment.
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience with PLCs, robotics control systems and machine operation.
• Strong PLC programming, mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with the ability to work either independently and part of a team in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods.
• Debug and commission control systems at our facility and on-site at customer locations.
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems, dispense systems and lasers.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to ensure that labor and material budgets as well as scheduled delivery dates are adhered to or improved upon.
• Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems in order to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• Provide accurate documentation for each project.
• Advise customer on solving technical problems.
• Follow and contribute to quality program (ex. ISO / NQA) procedures.
• Provide customer with training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• Adhere to all health and safety rules and procedures. This includes following LOTO procedures and wearing appropriate PPE.
• These responsibilities are subject to change as a function of the individual’s abilities.

Skills

PLC control systems

Robotics control systems

Machine operation

Programming principles

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in mechanical, electrical, systems, or computer engineering

Tools

Robotics

Motion controllers

Vision systems

Dispense systems

Lasers

Job description

About ATS Industrial Automation

With 40+ Years of experience bringing excellence to the automation field, ATS is an industry‑leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. We leverage our experience by creating custom automation, repeat automation, and services in industries such as transportation, consumer products and energy.

Job Description

As a Controls Design Engineer with strong PLC control system expertise, you will be the driving force behind bringing ATS’ machines to life. You will be a part of a highly motivated, dynamic, multi‑disciplinary team working to design and commission world‑class automation solutions. You will drive impact in developing machine concepts, designing control software, integrating software into electrical/mechanical systems, process development and ultimately site installations worldwide. You will have the opportunity to program state‑of‑the‑art automation equipment with PLCs, PCs, robotics, motion controllers, vision systems, dispense systems, laser systems and other leading‑edge technologies – with a strong emphasis on PLC and motion control platforms that are central to system performance. This position also offers the added benefit of international travel to support global project deployments.

Job Duties

• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods.
• Debug and commission control systems at our facility and on‑site at customer locations.
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems, dispense systems and lasers.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to ensure that labor and material budgets as well as scheduled delivery dates are adhered to or improved upon.
• Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems in order to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• Provide accurate documentation for each project.
• Advise customer on solving technical problems.
• Follow and contribute to quality program (ex. ISO / NQA) procedures.
• Provide customer with training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• Adhere to all health and safety rules and procedures. This includes following LOTO procedures and wearing appropriate PPE.
• These responsibilities are subject to change as a function of the individual’s abilities.

Travel Responsibilities

• Travel to customer and supplier sites to perform installation, commissioning and training duties.
• This position requires frequent and extended travel, both domestically and internationally. You must be fully prepared to spend significant time at customer and supplier sites, often on short notice, to support system installation, commissioning, and training.
• Travel is a core and essential part of this role to support system integration and customer success.

Qualifications

Education: Post‑secondary degree or diploma in mechanical, electrical, systems, or computer engineering is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 6+ years of experience in engineering design, development, programming and commissioning automated systems, custom machinery or industrial equipment.
• Thorough understanding and hands‑on experience with PLCs, robotics control systems and machine operation.
• Strong PLC programming, mechanical and electrical problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with the ability to work either independently and part of a team in fast‑paced environments.

Job Specifications

• The employee may be required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor.
• Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or exert up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
• Visual Acuity – Normal requirements for reading written instructions and computer screens.
• Hearing Ability – Normal requirements for understanding verbal instructions.
• Working Conditions – The employee is subject to a normal office environment with occasional exposure to high noise levels and/or physical hazards when visiting manufacturing floor.

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Requirements

• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements.
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout‑tagout methods.
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defects in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor.
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks.
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training.
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable.

Benefits

• We VALUE our People: The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower, and energize our people.
• We’ve got GREAT Work Perks: We provide a variety of perks to our employees. Make sure you ask more about our flexible work schedules, employee events, free coffee beverages, employee referral program and safety shoe programs.
• We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards: Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, company paid short‑ and long‑term disability and life insurance, comprehensive health benefits, 401K matching program, Employee Incentive Bonus program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.
• We support internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT: ATS Automation offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development, including tuition reimbursement programs and our commitment to promoting from within.