Senior Controls Engineer - Vertical Integration

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

Job summary

Woodward FST, Inc. seeks a senior-level Controls Engineer to drive and integrate automation across manufacturing, especially with CNC equipment. You will develop and support control solutions to boost efficiency, data visibility, and system integration.

You will work with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities, connect equipment and systems, and enable closed-loop feedback for lights-out manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Develops and supports medium to high complexity control systems across automation projects.
• Ability to lead medium-sized controls projects and coordinate resources.
• Creates documentation and ensures compliance with safety and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems meeting project requirements.
• Lead project activities including risk assessments and coordination.
• Analyze production issues and implement effective fixes.
• Develop and refine complex control system documentation.
• Integrate automation and safety features into control systems.

Skills

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Analytical Skills

Communication

Mentorship

Mechatronics Knowledge

Programming & Data Management

Data Analysis

Process Improvement

New Technology Development

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Motion controllers

Torque drivers

Vision systems

Edge devices

Industrial protocols (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 - $135,000All 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 members12 paid holidaysIndustry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hireVacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leavePaid parental leaveAdoption AssistanceEmployee Assistance Program, including mental health benefitsMember Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional LifeMember referral bonusSpouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible SpendingVoluntary benefits, including:Home / Auto Insurance discountsWhole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military LeaveSummary: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 data exchange between devices by optimizing network setups.Data Analysis: Advanced understanding of data analysis methods, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification. Capable of using data to inform decisions and optimize moderately complex control systems.Control Systems Tools & Hardware: Advanced proficiency in controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices, with the ability to apply them to moderately complex systems.Other Qualifications:4 Year Bachelors BS degree and 4+ years equivalent experienceThis position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.#LI-AT1