Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Company Overview:
Warn Automotive can trace its beginning back to 1948, when Arthur Warn invented the first disconnecting four-wheel-drive hub for surplus World War II vehicles. Since that time, our products have continued to lead the industry with a history of innovation in Powertrain Disconnect technology.
Almost 75 years later, our products are sold to OEMs around the world, enhancing the performance, traction and capability of their vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and emissions to create a more mobile and efficient future. 
Operating from our headquarters and manufacturing facility in Milwaukie, Oregon and our customer support center in Livonia, Michigan, Warn Automotive is proud to be part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG) a Dover Company.

Position Summary:
Working independently and collaboratively with others, this position plays an integral role in executing our mission, philosophy, and commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service to our internal and external customers. In addition to maintaining a high level of trust, integrity and ethical standards, all employees are also expected to promote a culture of safety by following all safety procedures, protocols and guidelines while working in a manner that minimizes the risk of damage to property and injury to the employee and others. 

The Automation Controls Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for specification, design, qualification, and release of product test equipment automation controls systems. Focus on motor and control systems, servo systems, equipment wiring, programmable controllers, and PC user interfaces. Design robust systems based on sound engineering principles and analytics. Work in a cross functional and collaborative team environment. Manage tasks associated with multiple projects and effectively communicate project status.

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Designs, analyzes, modifies, and maintains test equipment automation and control systems.
• Develop equipment engineering budgets.
• Deploy and debug automation controls hardware and software.
• Develops appropriate technical documentation including systems requirements, specifications, configuration settings, instruction manuals, and guidelines.
• Provide sustaining engineering support for new and old equipment.
• Supervise construction of automated test equipment.
• Manage contractor resources including engineering services.
• Support team training and mentoring.
• Support new product introduction process.
• Manage tasks associated with multiple projects and achieve commitments to project milestones.
• Effectively communicate project status, design challenges, and resource constraints to leadership.
• Accountable for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in assigned area. Responsible for design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including a self-assessment and report to management.
• Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Performs other various duties as may be assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Five years of automation controls engineering experience.
• Five years of experience with automation systems including industrial motors, variable frequency motor drives, servo systems, programmable controllers, equipment wiring, and integrated control systems with PC user interfaces.
• Degree in an applied science field or equivalent industrial experience and training certification.
• Excellent skills using MS Office applications (especially Project, PowerPoint, and Visio).
• Strong knowledge and experience in the following:
  • Converting vague customer requirements into specific engineering specifications.
  • Project scheduling, resource management and commitment to milestones
  • Following, developing and writing technical processes
  • Hands-on experience in building, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills commensurate with the job tasks and position necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers while providing exceptional quality of work and outstanding customer service. Ability to present information in a manner designed to educate or inform other team members and customers in one-on-one or group interactions as directed.
• Ability to review, comprehend, interpret, process and evaluate effectively written work instructions and procedures written in English, prints, specs and diagrams, and tool gauges, measuring devices and inspection tools in conjunction with the performance of the essential functions and other assigned job duties.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills including ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a calm, rational and respectful demeanor and communication style in times of stress occasioned by work demands, tight timelines, heavy production expectations, unexpected quality control issues, and other work-related issues or concerns that may cause a heightened level of anxiety, frustration, anger, disappointment, confusion, etc.
• Must be enthusiastic about adopting Warn Automotives’ Core Values: Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit, Winning Through Customer Focused Innovation, Respects and Values People, Expectations for Results, and High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust.
• Strong technical, troubleshooting, problem solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Well-reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, workflow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision start on day one of hire
• Fertility Treatment Coverage
• 10 Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with Employer Matching, Profit Sharing, and Annual Contributions
• Bonus Plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Discount Programs
• Career Growth, including Onsite Training and Tuition Reimbursement

Work Culture:

At Warn Automotive, we not only respect diversity, we actively seek it. We have a culture that promotes continuous improvement for our products and our people. We provide learning opportunities to help you take your skills to the next level. We value innovation, integrity and ownership in exceeding the high bar we set for ourselves in delivering for our customers.

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be required for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this or similar positions and additional duties may be assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER