Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Salary: $85,000 - $110,000

Location: Lansing, MI

Key Responsibilities

• Support production efforts to minimize equipment and tooling downtime and reduce scrap through effective analytical methodologies.
• Design, specify, program, simulate, and test control systems, providing start-up assistance as needed.
• Enhance operational efficiency through process changes and automation initiatives.
• Program automated equipment to meet production requirements.
• Design and provide quotes for electronic controls that support production processes.
• Evaluate quotes and recommend sources for control devices.
• Maintain and facilitate process controls equipment.
• Develop and implement improvements to plant layout, equipment, processes, and ergonomics.
• Identify key process controls and systems, ensuring adequate resources for maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Advise maintenance technicians on control systems and operations.
• Document all activities as required, adhering to company guidelines.
• Follow emergency evacuation procedures to ensure employee safety.
• Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
• Inform the Department Manager of situations that may pose significant risks to product assurance, facility safety, or customer satisfaction.
• Take initiative to prevent occurrences of nonconformance relating to product, processes, and systems.
• Identify and document issues related to products, processes, or systems.
• Recommend solutions through appropriate channels and verify implementation.
• Control the processing and delivery of nonconforming products until deficiencies are corrected.
• Initiate project requests for quotations (RFQs) with supporting documentation.
• Quote and negotiate pricing and timing with vendors for equipment and tooling.
• Approve layouts for facilities as required.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a 2-year college education with at least 1 year of related experience in controls and assembly operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience with PLC logic and programming (Allen Bradley, Modicon, GE Fanuc, Siemens, AutomationDirect, Mitsubishi, Omron, Aromat, Toshiba) and HMI or SCADA programming (Wonderware, Rockwell, Intellution, GE Cimplicity, Ci-Tech, Iconics, Siemens, US Data).
• Strong mechanical and electrical skills.
• Proficient in panel design/layout and wiring schematic development.
• Experience with conveyor systems, bar code readers, and field commissioning.
• Familiarity with ControlNet and DeviceNet I/O systems, RSView, and industrial controls (photo electrics, motor control centers).
• Knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives and AutoCAD.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).

Health, Safety, and Physical Demands

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods, with average mobility to navigate an office and plant environment.
• Capable of performing routine work on a computer.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 20% travel is required.
• A valid drivers license is necessary