Senior Controls Engineer

Magna International; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Seating is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead controls engineering for high-volume automotive manufacturing. You will direct engineers, drive PLC/HMI projects, and ensure uptime, safety, and quality across automated systems.

Ideal candidates have seven+ years of controls/IT experience, strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI, and vision systems. The role is on-site at Magna Seating with opportunities for career growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Controls Technologist or related IT field preferred
• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC platforms and ladder logic
• Experience with PLC I/O control, HMI operation, and PLC troubleshooting
• Knowledge of industrial networks and field devices
• Familiarity with vision and inspection systems (Keyence, Cognex, IFM, Omron) and sensing tech
• Strong communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct Controls Engineers and Controls Technologists.
• Drive equipment improvement projects to enhance productivity, quality, availability, and safety.
• Design, develop, install, and commission PLC-based control systems, including I/O checkout and startup support.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize HMI/SCADA systems (e.g., Citect, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000, CIMPLICITY).
• Provide technical expertise during electrical and test equipment projects, ensuring reliable integration.
• Troubleshoot PLC-related machine issues and improve system reliability for production.
• Develop and maintain robotic systems and safety systems and vision tech.
• Create, update, and maintain technical documentation and test records.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, and production teams per company policies.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC

Ladder Logic

HMI/SCADA

Industrial Networking

Robotics/ Vision

Electrical Schematics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

RSLogix 500/5000

FactoryTalk View

PanelView HMI

CIMPLICITY

Keyence Vision

Cognex Vision

IO-Link

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:

Job Responsibilities

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to provide leadership and technical oversight for controls engineering, ensuring the dependable performance of automated manufacturing systems while promoting maximum uptime, safety, and quality in a high-volume automotive setting.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and provide daily direction to Controls Engineers and Controls Technologists.

• Drive equipment improvement projects to enhance productivity, quality, availability, and safety.

• Design, develop, install, and commission PLC-based control systems, including I/O checkout, system testing, and startup support.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize HMI and SCADA systems (e.g., Citect, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000, CIMPLICITY) in collaboration with IT.

• Provide technical expertise during electrical and functional test equipment projects, ensuring reliable hardware/software integration.

• Support production by troubleshooting, resolving PLC-related machine issues, and improving system reliability.

• Develop and maintain robotic systems, electronic safety systems, and error-proofing/vision technologies.

• Create, update, and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, schematics, instructions, and test records.

• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, and production teams while upholding company policies, goals, and employee charter principles.

Who We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred

• Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronic or similar Engineering degree/diploma/certificate or equivalent Trades Certification with significant work experience preferred

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Controls Technologist or related IT related field preferred.

• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including RSLogix 500/5000, FactoryTalk View Studio, and PanelView HMI applications.

• Ability to understand and apply ladder logic, PLC I/O control, HMI operation, and troubleshoot PLC programs and electrical control systems.

• Knowledge of industrial networks and field devices (DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, Point I/O) and common electrical components.

• Familiarity with vision and inspection systems (Keyence, Cognex, IFM, Omron) and related sensing technologies.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and design specifications, proficient in Microsoft Office tools.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills with the flexibility to work overtime as required.

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