Sr. Eng, Controls

Magna International Limited; Michigan; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and sustainment of automated control systems across manufacturing operations. You will apply PLC, HMI, SCADA, vision, and robotics with strong network integration to set architectures and mentor staff.

This role advances Industry 4.0 initiatives and supports cross-functional collaboration with Operations, IT, Quality, and suppliers, while driving site standards and

Qualifications

• Industry 4.0 and IIoT platforms experience is required.
• Programming or scripting experience with VB, Python, Ignition, SQL, MQTT.
• Demonstrated experience developing HMI and SCADA systems for production equipment.
• Hands-on experience integrating and supporting industrial robotics.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Profibus/Profinet, Modbus and OPC UA.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering efforts for new equipment launches and existing production systems.
• Design, program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, vision, and robotic systems.
• Serve as the technical lead for complex troubleshooting and root-cause analysis affecting safety, quality, throughput, and uptime.
• Define scopes of work, technical requirements, and acceptance criteria for controls-related projects.
• Support installation, startup, and sustained production activities on the plant floor and at customer sites.

Skills

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial robotics integration

Controls project leadership

Programming & troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering degree

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:

The Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML’s expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling.

Job Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Controls Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for the design, development, implementation, and sustainment of automated control systems across manufacturing operations. This role combines deep hands‑on expertise in PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, and industrial networks with the ability to drive system architecture decisions, establish standards, and mentor controls engineering talent.

The Senior Controls Engineer leads the full lifecycle of controls engineering projects—from concept and design through commissioning and continuous improvement—and serves as a primary technical authority for internal stakeholders and external partners. The role plays a central part in advancing Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives by integrating data‑driven, connected automation solutions into the production environment.

ROLE SCOPE & CAREER LEVEL EXPECTATIONS:

This role is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and technical authority. The Senior Controls Engineer is accountable for leading complex initiatives, influencing technical direction beyond a single cell or line, and driving consistency across equipment, systems, and sites.

Key expectations at this level include:

• Independently leading complex, multi‑discipline controls projects from concept through sustainment.
• Making and defending technical decisions related to system architecture, platforms, and standards.
• Providing guidance and technical direction to other engineers and technicians without direct supervision.
• Influencing plant‑level and regional controls strategies through standards development and best practices.
• Representing the controls function in cross‑functional and leadership discussions.
• Demonstrate leadership‑level availability and schedule flexibility to support plant operations during critical events, including off‑shift commissioning, escalations, and systemic issue resolution.
• Set expectations and coordinate coverage plans to ensure effective controls and automation support across operating hours.
• Responsibilities and expectations for this role are cumulative by level.

Advancement does not remove prior responsibilities; instead, each level retains accountability for all expectations of previous levels while expanding scope, technical judgment, leadership influence, and ownership.

Higher level roles are expected to demonstrate greater depth of knowledge, broader system ownership, and increased responsibility for quality, safety, reliability, documentation, and outcomes across automation and industrial systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Leadership & Execution:

• Lead and support controls engineering efforts for new equipment launches and existing production systems.
• Design, program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, vision, and robotic systems.
• Serve as the technical lead for complex troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis impacting safety, quality, throughput, and uptime.
• Define scopes of work, technical requirements, and acceptance criteria for controls‑related projects.
• Support installation, startup, and sustained production activities on the plant floor and at customer sites as required.

Controls Architecture & Standards:

• Lead system architecture reviews and establishes controls standards, best practices, and documentation requirements.
• Define and maintain electrical, controls, and equipment standards for both new and existing manufacturing assets.
• Oversee controls documentation, backups, version control, and lifecycle management of production equipment.
• Evaluate existing hardware and software platforms and recommend improvements to reliability, maintainability, and scalability.

Industry 4.0 / IIoT Enablement:

• Lead Industrial IoT (IIoT) initiatives across the Mirrors Division within the assigned region.
• Design, deploy, and support IIoT solutions including data acquisition, edge computing, industrial networking, and enterprise system integration.
• Drive adoption of OPC UA, MQTT, MES connectivity, data historians, and other smart manufacturing technologies aligned with corporate architecture standards.
• Develop and maintain site‑level standard operating procedures supporting a structured pilot scale sustain approach.
• Coordinate implementations and system changes with local operations while ensuring compliance with data residency, cybersecurity, and lawful data‑handling requirements.
• Develop and implement digital twins for critical assets and flows; enable event‑driven alerts, e‑Andon, and prescriptive actions via control towers and MES/WMS workflows.

Performance, Reliability & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with automotive customer requirements and internal manufacturing standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department goals and growth in technical skills.

Cybersecurity & Safety:

• Support OT cybersecurity improvements aligned with IEC 62443 and corporate security frameworks.
• Ensure appropriate implementation of industrial network segmentation, firewalls, access controls, and secure remote access.
• Assume responsibility for machine safety systems and controls‑related safety compliance on assigned equipment.

Mentorship & Collaboration:

• Provide technical mentorship, coaching, and daily work guidance to junior and mid‑level controls engineers.
• Lead technical reviews and promote knowledge sharing to improve team capability and consistency.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, IT/Digital, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and corporate Industry 4.0 teams.
• Act as a technical interface with external vendors, system integrators, and customers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following qualifications are required to successfully perform the Senior Controls Engineer role. These requirements reflect the expected technical depth, decision‑making authority, and leadership scope associated with a senior‑level engineering role.

• Experience with Industry 4.0 and IIoT platforms, including:

1. Azure IoT Hub / IoT Edge, AWS IoT, or equivalent platforms.

2. MQTT, OPC UA, edge gateways, and device management.

3. Integration with MES, WMS, ERP, and data historian systems.

• Knowledge of OT cybersecurity concepts such as industrial DMZs, firewalls, VLANs, certificates (X.509), incident response, and disaster recovery.

• Programming or scripting experience with Visual Basic, Python, Ignition, SQL, and MQTT.

• Demonstrated experience developing HMI and SCADA systems for production equipment and manufacturing operations.

• Hands‑on experience integrating and supporting industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or equivalent).

• Strong working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profibus/Profinet, Modbus, and OPC UA.

• Demonstrated ability to lead controls projects, make independent technical decisions, and provide technical direction to engineers and technicians.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross‑discipline issues involving controls hardware, software, networks, and mechanical systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment, including on the plant floor during installations, startups, and troubleshooting events.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering strongly preferred (or equivalent education/experience).

2. 10+ years of experience in control related field.

3. Demonstrated experience developing HMI and SCADA systems for production equipment and manufacturing operations.

4. Hands‑on experience integrating and supporting industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or equivalent).

5. Strong working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Profibus/Profinet, Modbus, and OPC UA.

6. Demonstrated ability to lead controls projects, make independent technical decisions, and provide technical direction to engineers and technicians.

7. Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross‑discipline issues involving controls hardware, software, networks, and mechanical systems.

8. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

9. Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment, including on the plant floor during installations, startups, and troubleshooting events.

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... The use of AI is conducted in compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations. If you have any questions about how AI is used in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

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 Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting