Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerRequired Skills & Experience• 5–10+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer / Controls Specialist / Automation Engineer • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) • Strong experience with Siemens PLCs (Step 7, TIA Portal) • Hands-on troubleshooting experience with industrial automation systems (PLC, CNC, robotics) • Experience validating equipment safety for production environments • Proven experience supporting machine validation and production readiness • Experience working with industrial networking / IT infrastructure in manufacturing environments. Networking/IT: Industrial networks, Cisco, IIOT platforms, Node-RED (preferred)Nice to Have Skills & Experience• Experience with IIOT systems / Industrial Internet of Things • Familiarity with Node-RED (or willingness to learn) and industrial networking tools (e.g., Cisco) • Experience with CNC systems (Siemens 840D or similar) • Robotics experience with ABB and/or Fanuc (safety configuration and validation) • Siemens Safety Certified (Level 2 or 3)Job DescriptionWe 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. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Siemens-based controls environments, industrial networking, and production system validation across machining and automation systems.Key Responsibilities IIOT & System Validation • Lead IIOT validation efforts, ensuring machines are properly connected and reporting accurate machine state data • Remotely access systems/servers to validate connectivity, data flow, and system performance • Analyze and troubleshoot industrial network infrastructure issues impacting machine communication Controls & Automation Support • Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems across machining and automation environments • Support integration and validation of machines within plant control systems • Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure alignment between controls and network infrastructure Safety Validation & Commissioning • Support safety validation efforts to bring equipment from early commissioning phases through production readiness • Assist in progressing equipment through Ford's commissioning process (e.g., Protag phases: White ? Green) • Participate in MIDAS checks and validation activities to ensure compliance with production standards Troubleshooting & Debug • Debug communication and connectivity issues between machines, PLCs, and higher-level systems • Perform root cause analysis on system/network failures and implement corrective actions • Support validation of robot safety configurations and automation systems$45/hrExact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.Benefit 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.