Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC

Johnson-Electric; Springfield (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Electric in Springfield, TN, is seeking a Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC to design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-controlled manufacturing systems.

You will lead automation projects from design to startup, integrating robotics, machine vision, sensors, and Industry 4.0 tech. The role requires 7+ years in controls engineering, strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI, and industrial networking, plus a track record of improving uptime and efficiency in an automotive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or automotive manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of Allen Bradley PLCs, HMI systems, industrial networking, and control system architecture.
• Experience with machine vision systems, sensors, scanners, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading automation projects and supporting manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Lead automation projects including controls design, equipment commissioning, startup, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support integration of robotics, machine vision systems, sensors, safety devices, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve equipment uptime, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, standards, schematics, and work instructions.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation engineering

Troubleshooting

Root-cause analysis

Project leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI systems

Industrial networking

Robotics systems

Machine vision

Safety devices

Job description

Join Our Team as a Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC at Johnson Electric!Location: Springfield, TN (100% onsite)Vacancy Type: Existing PositionSchedule: Full-TimeRelocation: Relocation Assistance AvailableTravel: Up to 5%As our next Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC, you’ll be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced automation and control systems that drive manufacturing excellence. Your expertise in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics integration, and machine vision technology will be crucial in improving operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and production performance while supporting Johnson Electric’s continuous innovation initiatives.Why You’ll Love Working Here:Lead cutting-edge automation and controls projects that directly impact manufacturing performance.Work with advanced technologies including PLCs, robotics, machine vision systems, and Industry 4.0 solutions.Collaborate with highly skilled engineering, quality, maintenance, and production teams.Influence the design and implementation of next-generation manufacturing systems.Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, technical leadership, and career advancement.Join a culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.What You’ll Be Doing:Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automation systems.Lead automation projects including controls design, equipment commissioning, startup, validation, and continuous improvement activities.Support integration of robotics, machine vision systems, sensors, safety devices, and Industry 4.0 technologies.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve equipment uptime, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers to ensure successful project execution.Develop and maintain controls documentation, standards, schematics, and work instructions.What We’re Looking For:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.7+ years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or automotive manufacturing environments.Strong knowledge of Allen Bradley PLCs, HMI systems, industrial networking, and control system architecture.Experience with machine vision systems, sensors, scanners, and automated manufacturing equipment.Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.Experience leading automation projects and supporting manufacturing operations.Bonus Points If You Have:Experience with KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, or other industrial robotic systems.Experience with Keyence vision systems, AI vision technologies, and smart factory initiatives.Knowledge of servo systems, motion control, and advanced automation architectures.Experience supporting IATF 16949 automotive manufacturing environments.Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.What we offer:Johnson Electric offers talented people like you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, innovative, and entrepreneurial colleagues you will find anywhere. Of course, we offer competitive pay and benefits, and far more than that, we offer you a culture driven by our values and designed to ensure that our most important asset—our people—can flourish. Johnson Electric welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Johnson Electric is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process.Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require any type of accommodation during the recruitment process.Please note: Johnson Electric may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as part of our process.Come join our global, inclusive & diverse teamOur purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.