Lead Controls Engineer

Lead Controls Engineer

Full-Time/ On-Site

**Job is posted in Dayton, OH, but this role will be onsite in the Muncie, IN area.

***Client will provide relocation asistance if needed.

Seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to help drive the development, improvement, and support of control systems across high-volume automotive manufacturing operations. This role is both strategic and hands-on, combining team leadership, project execution, and advanced controls design.

What you will be doing as a Senior Controls Engineer:

• Plan and execute technical projects for new and existing products while maintaining customer timelines and engineering relationships.
• Design, develop, and improve manufacturing control systems, including CNC, PLC, robotics, automation, SCADA, data collection, and test systems.
• Troubleshoot production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure continuity of operations.
• Develop electrical and control specifications for automated systems, test stands, assembly equipment, and robotics.
• Program PLCs, CNC controls, HMIs, robotics, and related systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE/Fanuc, etc.).
• Partner with cross-functional teams to source, install, commission, and optimize manufacturing systems.
• Create investment plans for new equipment and future production processes; support cost estimates and capital planning.
• Apply structured problem-solving (8-step, DOE, error-proofing) to drive quality and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO standards.
• Support production across shifts when needed.

What you will need as a Senior Controls Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5 years of controls or automation experience, preferably in Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive; leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to present to leadership, customers, and suppliers.
• Proven project management capability—scheduling, tracking, reporting, and stakeholder coordination.
• Expertise in controls system design from concept through installation for high-volume manufacturing.

Hands-on experience with:

• Siemens PLC (Step7, TIA Portal)
• Allen-Bradley PLC (RSLogix500, Studio5000, FactoryTalk)
• GE Fanuc CNC
• Industrial networks (EthernetIP, Profinet, Profibus)
• VFDs, servos, pneumatics
• Fanuc robotics (programming/controls)

Send resume to Desmond Nugent

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