Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer will be expected to have sound controls engineering fundamentals and be comfortable troubleshooting PLC-based equipment. The candidate must be independent, proactive, and very hands-on, spending significant time on the manufacturing line where the equipment is used. The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her hands-on and analytical abilities, organization skills, and attention to detail. He/She is self-motivated, receptive to feedback, and appreciates an environment where superior work is encouraged, noticed and rewarded.

The Role

The Controls Engineer is responsible for sustaining, improving, and designing automated manufacturing equipment for manufacturing line. He/She will collaborate with test engineers & equipment engineers to maintain existing automated equipment, including PLC’s and robotics. Additionally, the controls engineer will identify opportunities to improve the process by designing and launching new pieces of automation.

The Controls Engineer will be expected to have sound controls engineering fundamentals and be comfortable troubleshooting PLC-based equipment. The candidate must be independent, proactive, and very hands-on, spending significant time on the manufacturing line where the equipment is used. The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her hands-on and analytical abilities, organization skills, and attention to detail. He/She is self-motivated, receptive to feedback, and appreciates an environment where superior work is encouraged, noticed and rewarded.

Responsibilities

• Work as PLC expert on a cross-functional team with a diverse skillset in SCADA, integration, and scripting
• Update and improve HMI’s for complex machinery to be used by operators and maintenance
• Troubleshoot PLC and robot related production issues, including reviewing code, database interfaces, and connection issues to Tesla’s production system (MOS)
• Make code changes to PLC’s and/or robots for new products and processes
• Develop maintenance documentation and training for first line equipment troubleshooting
• Lead continuous improvement of automated equipment to improve key metrics (safety, quality, productivity, and cost)
• Be motivated to learn about new products, learn new skills, ambitious to learn about the products and process, willing to step outside of the role to help the team
• Be flexible and collaborative, willing to work in fast paced product and technology factory, and curious about technology
• Work with engineering drawings by modifying and reading schematics

Requirements

• Education: B.S in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls System, or Manufacturing Engineering field or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability
• Minimum 3+ years exp. in PLC programming (Siemans or Beckhoff preferred)
• 3+ years’ experience with Beckhoff PLC.
• 3+ years’ experience with robotics, preferably Fanuc.
• 3+ years’ experience in manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or related.
• Experience with python or similar programming language.
• Experience with vision systems.
• Strong understanding of ladder logic, structured text, communication protocols
• Strong understanding of industrial robotics a plus (Fanuc preferred)
• Strong understanding of common PLC components such as various types of sensors, conveyors, network switches, power supplies, HV Parker panels, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues and conduct root cause analysis
• Understanding of HMI development using (Siemens WinCC preferred, Ignition is a strong plus)
• Python and SQL preferred
• Basic experience with creating schematics
• Experience in high volume manufacturing of complex assemblies preferred
• Proven ability to research information, solve challenging problems, and coordinate projects under tight timing constraints
• Demonstrated talent in setting up, running, and maintaining/troubleshooting high precision manufacturing equipment and process
• Knowledgeable about quality practices (i.e. IQC, OQC, DOE, etc.)
• Able to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Comfortable with ambiguity, a fast-paced environment, and in a role with broad scope
• Self-starting and proactive, able to work with little to no direction
• Able to communicate clearly using excellent written and verbal skill across cultures and geographic regions.