Controls Engineer

Overview:

The manufacturing engineering portion (40%) will help keep production processes running smoothly and implement machine/process improvements on existing machinery (PLC automated assembly equipment running plastic parts ~10 sec/part). This is a hands-on, onsite technical role (both portions).

Responsibilities:

• This role primarily supports production and therefore will be tied to production needs. Flexibility during the day will be required as issues or new projects arise.
• Will be upgrading and standardizing controls schemes across the facility from medium-small to small upgrades. This will include strategic upgrades to older/newer lines or sub-systems.
• Must be capable and have previous experience of wiring up a control panel from scratch. Wiring upgrades and panel beautification will be a part of almost every project. Pictures of previous panel builds are appreciated.
• Must have experience with safety circuits and their various devices (buttons, curtains, etc). Does not need to be safety PLC certified. Semi-complex safety system wiring experience is required.
• Must be able to explain their coding logic with details or examples of how previous programs have stepped through that logic.
• Comfortable with vision systems and bar code scanners for mostly simple checks.
• Pneumatic valve bank control/wiring and troubleshooting will be a common occurrence.
• HMI programming will be small updates or adding panels occasionally, as needed.
• Analog sensors integration with PLC’s is common enough for the need to be familiar with.
• Documentation on wiring and making How-to/training documents will be required.
• Robot troubleshooting will arise. Basic exposure is appreciated. Training is available.
• Capable of using hand tools and tool shop machines to build panels/machines

• Hands-on overseeing and technical troubleshooting of existing automated equipment/processes (PLC driven assembly equipment, both in house made and purchased equipment).
• Through various forms of data analysis, develop improvement initiatives or projects that resolve quality and delivery issues, customer complaints, or downtime.
• Develop and implement OEE metrics and create plan for improvement
• Assure product and process quality by designing testing methods; testing finished- product and process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes.
• Assist in the development, execution and implementation of process improvements identified and scheduled in annual improvement targets.
• Keep equipment operational by coordinating maintenance and repair services; following manufacturer's instructions and established procedures; requesting special service when needed.
• Assist in the development, execution and implementation of annual capital budgets/projects

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/mechatronics/related field
• 3-5 years’ experience in controls
• 3-5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Hands-on, process driven problem solving
• Exposure to CAD software (Solidworks or other)
• Exposure to machined parts/fixtures
• Experience troubleshooting machines (1st – Electrical, 2nd – Software, 3rd – Mechanical)

• Experience with low volume specialty production
• Experience with customer focused decision environment
• Exposure to injection molded plastic parts
• Proficient in CAD (Solidworks or other)
• Experience with hydraulic systems
• Experience with 3D printing
• Experience with Lean fundamentals
• Demonstrated examples of a high technical aptitude

Physical/Mental Demands:

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Good manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination are required. The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Working Environment:

The employee must be able to work alone for extended periods of time. The employee must also be able to work with others as required. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.