Controls Engineer

Required Skills & Experience
• \t5–10+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer / Controls Specialist / Automation Engineer \n•\tBachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) \n•\tStrong experience with Siemens PLCs (Step 7, TIA Portal) \n•\tHands-on troubleshooting experience with industrial automation systems (PLC, CNC, robotics) \n•\tExperience validating equipment safety for production environments\n•\tProven experience supporting machine validation and production readiness\n•\tExperience working with industrial networking / IT infrastructure in manufacturing environments. Networking/IT: Industrial networks, Cisco, IIOT platforms, Node-RED (preferred)

Nice to Have Skills & Experience
• \tExperience with IIOT systems / Industrial Internet of Things\n•\tFamiliarity with Node-RED (or willingness to learn) and industrial networking tools (e.g., Cisco) \n•\tExperience with CNC systems (Siemens 840D or similar) \n•\tRobotics experience with ABB and/or Fanuc (safety configuration and validation) \n•\tSiemens Safety Certified (Level 2 or 3)

Job Description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support a large-scale manufacturing program focused on IIOT validation, connectivity, and system readiness. This role is heavily centered around validating machine connectivity, troubleshooting network/system issues, and supporting safety validation activities, rather than hands-on programming.\nThe ideal candidate will have strong experience with Siemens-based controls environments, industrial networking, and production system validation across machining and automation systems.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nIIOT & System Validation\n•\tLead IIOT validation efforts, ensuring machines are properly connected and reporting accurate machine state data\n•\tRemotely access systems/servers to validate connectivity, data flow, and system performance\n•\tAnalyze and troubleshoot industrial network infrastructure issues impacting machine communication\nControls & Automation Support\n•\tTroubleshoot PLC-controlled systems across machining and automation environments\n•\tSupport integration and validation of machines within plant control systems\n•\tCollaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure alignment between controls and network infrastructure\nSafety Validation & Commissioning\n•\tSupport safety validation efforts to bring equipment from early commissioning phases through production readiness\n•\tAssist in progressing equipment through Ford’s commissioning process (e.g., Protag phases: White → Green)\n•\tParticipate in MIDAS checks and validation activities to ensure compliance with production standards\nTroubleshooting & Debug\n•\tDebug communication and connectivity issues between machines, PLCs, and higher-level systems\n•\tPerform root cause analysis on system/network failures and implement corrective actions\n•\tSupport validation of robot safety configurations and automation systems\n\n\n$45/hr\n\nExact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.\n \nBenefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave.