Job Title: Plant Engineer Controls
Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Job Type: Full Time, Contract
Expected hours per week: 40
Schedule: 6:30am-3:00pm
Pay: $42-$46/hr
Job Description:
Location: Onsite
Travel: Occasional domestic travel, including visits to supplier locations as needed
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer / Controls Specialist to support and improve automated manufacturing systems within a high-volume production environment. This role is responsible for troubleshooting equipment and automation issues, programming and maintaining PLC-controlled systems, supporting robotics and material handling equipment, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to maximize equipment uptime, safety, and efficiency.
The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, excellent problem-solving skills, and a background supporting manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement improvements to manufacturing control systems and equipment using Factory Information Systems (FIS) data.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts to identify root causes of equipment downtime and performance issues.
- Analyze machine data and cycle times to improve productivity and reliability.
- Program, modify, and maintain PLCs, robotics, automation systems, and material handling equipment.
- Support integration of controls systems with manufacturing IT platforms, including FIS, Error Proofing, IIoT, QWX, and QTS systems.
- Coordinate equipment installations, upgrades, and engineering change activities.
- Maintain backups and documentation for automation and control programs.
- Train production personnel, maintenance technicians, and plant electricians on equipment operation and troubleshooting.
- Participate in risk assessments and support equipment safety initiatives.
- Collaborate with UAW maintenance teams, vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering groups.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum 5 years of controls, automation, or manufacturing engineering experience.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
- Experience with PLC platforms such as:
- Siemens
- Allen-Bradley
- Rexroth
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing, robotics, and industrial machinery.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal programming and troubleshooting experience.
- Knowledge of Siemens Power Line and Solution Line systems.
- Experience troubleshooting machining and automated production equipment.
- Familiarity with UL508A and NFPA79 standards.
- Experience working in automotive or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
Preferred Skills
- PLC Programming
- Automation & Controls
- Robotics
- Electrical Systems
- Error Proofing
- Root Cause Analysis
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
- Industrial Networking
- Equipment Reliability
Why Join Us?
- Work with advanced automation and robotics technologies.
- Play a key role in improving manufacturing performance and equipment reliability.
- Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, and supplier teams.
- Opportunities to lead projects, solve complex technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement.
If you have a passion for automation, troubleshooting, and keeping manufacturing systems running at peak performance, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits: 80 hours paid time off, and medical insurance contributions, dental vision and our 401k retirement savings plan
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