Controls Project Engineer

Controls Project Engineer Req #526 Macomb, MI 48042, USA Job Description Posted Friday, October 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight! Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base. SUMMARY OF POSITION The Controls Project Engineer will provide controls project management including design engineering, integration, and technical support for manufacture of automated assembly equipment. The individual will assume a responsibility in the hardware design, programming, commissioning, and software testing phase. The individual will be an integral part of the team from concept through production, and will be counted on to represent Ascent Aerospace in a professional manner, especially during the critical commissioning and buy off phase. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Responsible for being the controls lead on automation projects which include controls system hardware design, specification, programming, simulation and testing, and start-up assistance Be able to design, write, test, implement and document PLC and HMI software Manage the installation, commissioning, and production support of the automation systems on the customer floor Provide technical support of complex systems that integrate both hardware and software controls elements Assist in the development of company standards to ensure consistency in project execution Work with the integration team on researching new technologies which can be applied to aerospace applications to improve system design and performance Identify project requirements, specification, time lines and customer expectations Coordinates and provides direction to equipment vendors regarding electrical hardware design, software develop and installation schedules Utilize engineering knowledge to effectively communicate with customers and suppliers Responsible for providing all necessary information to the installation team to facilitate and expedite a quality installation of the control system Reviews his/her Program department metrics to ensure accuracy of reporting program performance to management and Customers. Provides recommendations to improve metrics designed to enhance operation efficiencies Any additional duties assigned by management REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be: BA or BS degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a Manufacturing Engineering environment Proven experience in controls hardware design, PLC logic, and programming with any of the following PLCs: Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE Fanuc, or Mitsubishi CNC experience with Siemens 840 controller or Fanuc 30iB a plus Strong knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems Experience programming servo controllers and VFD's Proficient in programming Fanuc, KUKA, and/or ABB robots a plus Project Execution – Knowledge of project management life-cycle from requirements gathering through design and implementation Maintain current knowledge of new and existing products, applications, and standards. Specifically NFPA, NEC, UL 508, IEC and CE as they relate to control panel design and build Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project Experience in C# Programming language is preferred This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully Interpersonal Skills – the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things when working with the various Internal/External stakeholders Oral communication – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings Written Communications – the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance Safety and security – the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses office equipment and materials properly Strategic Planning – Working in a team environment to establish group goal and objectives, and developing/implementing action plans focused on achievement SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None TRAVEL As necessary WORKING CONDITIONS Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles. Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation May access and work in the manufacturing plant The employee may be exposed to vibration The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands Work with safe manufacturing processes and understanding that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 35lbs. BENEFITS Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'). Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received. Job Details Job Family ENGINEERING Job Function Controls Engineering Pay Type Salary Education Level Bachelor’s Degree