Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and support for manufacturing automation systems, production equipment, and electrical controls infrastructure. This role supports safe and efficient manufacturing operations through troubleshooting, continuous improvement, system integration, launch support, and maintenance coordination. The Controls Engineer works closely with production, maintenance, skilled trades, manufacturing engineering, and plant leadership to ensure system reliability, safety, quality, and throughput objectives are achieved. The successful candidate will be a hands-on technical leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, and drives continuous improvement through automation, innovation, and collaboration.

(Key Responsibilities) Safety & Compliance Promote and enforce safe work practices as the highest priority in all activities. Ensure all controls modifications and automation changes comply with corporate and plant safety standards. Support lockout/tagout compliance, machine safeguarding initiatives, risk assessments, and safety investigations. Participate in safety reviews and support continuous improvement of manufacturing safety systems. Controls Engineering & Technical Support Provide controls engineering and electrical support for manufacturing operations. Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation, controls, equipment, and process-related issues. Lead root cause analysis activities and implement permanent corrective actions to prevent recurring failures. Provide technical direction and troubleshooting support to production, maintenance, and skilled trades personnel. Develop, modify, maintain, and optimize PLC, HMI, drive, robot, vision, and automation system programs. Support variable frequency drives, motor controls, industrial networks, and electrical systems throughout the facility. Maintain controls documentation, electrical drawings, and program backups. Production Support & Continuous Improvement Design and implement control system improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. Support production departments by identifying and eliminating performance constraints. Implement and maintain error-proofing systems, including SEP, EPP, vision systems, barcode applications, and traceability solutions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, improving throughput, and increasing operational efficiency. Support quality investigations and corrective action activities related to automation and control systems. Systems Integration & Technology Support plant floor-to-enterprise system integration and manufacturing data communications. Troubleshoot and maintain industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and related technologies. Support manufacturing execution systems, traceability systems, and plant floor software applications. Evaluate and implement new automation technologies and innovative manufacturing solutions. Launches, Projects & Planning Support equipment installations, launch activities, model year changes, and production startups. Participate in planning activities for future equipment, capacity expansion, and manufacturing process improvements. Lead controls-related projects from concept through implementation and startup. Coordinate suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams during project execution. Ensure systems meet safety, quality, and production requirements prior to launch approval. Leadership & Team Development Provide technical guidance, coaching, and training to maintenance personnel and skilled trades. Coordinate and direct maintenance activities requiring controls engineering support. Build strong partnerships with production personnel, maintenance teams, engineering groups, suppliers, and leadership. Demonstrate ownership and accountability by driving