Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC

Johnson Electric; Springfield, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Electric seeks a Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC to lead PLC-controlled manufacturing automation in Springfield, TN. You will design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize complex systems, driving startup, validation, and continuous improvement efforts on site.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve uptime, process capability, and efficiency while managing vendors and creating robust controls documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation or related field.

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

Allen Bradley PLCs

HMI systems

Industrial networking

Robotics

Machine vision

Industry 4.0

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Project leadership

Manufacturing automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation

Tools

KUKA robots

ABB robots

Fanuc robots

Keyence vision systems

Job description

Join Our Team as a Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC at Johnson Electric! Location: Springfield, TN (100% onsite) Vacancy Type: Existing Position Schedule: Full-Time Relocation: Relocation Assistance Available Travel: Up to 5%

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.

Our 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.

About Johnson Electric Group

The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Smart Metering, Medical Devices, Business Equipment, Home Automation, Ventilation, White Goods, Power Tools, Lawn & Garden Equipment, Warehouse Automation, Liquid Cooling and Robotic joints. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs over 30,000 individuals in over 20 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For more information, visit johnsonelectric.com.