Senior Controls Engineer - Vertical Integration

Woodward; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid time off incl. vacation/sick/bere

Parental leave

EAP & life insurance

Flexible spending

Job summary

Woodward is seeking a Senior-level Controls Engineer to support automation across manufacturing teams, focusing on CNC equipment integration and data visibility. The role emphasizes developing control solutions to improve efficiency and enable closed-loop feedback for lights-out manufacturing.

You will work with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities, connect equipment and systems, and deliver compliant, scalable controls solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing medium to high complexity control systems.
• Lead medium-sized controls projects with risk assessments and coordination.
• Perform production support and root-cause analysis for control issues.
• Document complex control system designs, diagrams and reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement medium to high complexity control systems.
• Lead medium-sized controls projects and coordinate resources.
• Analyze and resolve production control issues with engineering judgment.
• Create detailed documentation for controls systems and compliance.
• Design automation, safety, and system integration features.

Skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Mentorship

Mechatronics

Programming & data management

Process improvement

New technology development

Networking protocols

Tools

Modbus

PROFINET

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay: $95,000 - $135,000

All Levels are eligible for the benefits below:

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts
• Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Summary

Woodward is seeking a Senior-level Controls Engineer to support vertical integration initiatives and to integrate automation across manufacturing teams, primarily alongside CNC equipment. This role is responsible for developing and supporting control system solutions that improve process efficiency, data visibility, and system integration. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for automation, connect equipment and systems, and enable closed-loop feedback to support lights-out manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Controls System Design: Develops and implements medium to high complexity control systems, ensuring they meet industry standards and best practices. Participates in system commissioning and ensures designs meet project requirements.
• Project Support and Leadership: Lead medium-sized controls projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
• Production Support & Troubleshooting: Analyzes and solves moderately complex control system issues in production and development by evaluating multiple factors and applying technical expertise.
• Technical Documentation: Create and refine complex controls system documentation, including diagrams, manuals, and reports to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
• Automation, Safety and System Integration: Design and implement moderately complex automation and safety systems. Ensures safety standards are met and integrates them into control systems.

Key Skills

• Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
• Communication and Collaboration Skills: Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches. Offer constructive feedback to help them grow and develop their skills.
• Mechatronics Knowledge: Advanced understanding of mechatronics theory, including the interaction between mechanical components, electrical systems, and control logic with the ability to analyze and apply these concepts to moderately complex systems.
• Programming & Data Management: Develops and optimizes complex programs for tasks such as advanced system automation, data processing, or analytics. Implements robust practices to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security in all applications.
• Process Improvement/ Optimization: Leverages advancements in control technologies and automation to identify and implement process improvements. Analyzes system data to drive measurable gains in productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
• New Technology Development: Independently evaluates and integrates emerging technologies into moderately complex or small-scale projects. Evaluates and optimizes new technologies, assessing their applicability to controls systems.
• Communication Protocols and Networking: Proficient in implementing industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP) and configuring network components like switches and VLANs. Ensures reliable dat