What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Controls Engineer position at GKN Automotive and Careers?
About Us
GKN is a global engineering group that designs, manufactures, and services systems and components for the world’s leading aircraft, vehicle, and machinery manufacturers. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence, we are shaping the future of mobility through advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. Our teams thrive on ingenuity, collaboration, principled leadership, and drive—values that define our culture and guide our work every day.
Position Summary
We are hiring a Systems Engineer to join our team at the Alamance, NC, where you’ll play a key role in developing and validating engineering solutions that drive innovation in mobility. This position is part of a dynamic engineering group focused on systems and controls, and offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape the future of our products.
As a Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and testing engineering solutions, developing specifications, and analyzing data to support product performance and reliability. You’ll collaborate across functions to troubleshoot issues, optimize systems, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
- Experience with systems engineering methodologies and lifecycle management
- Knowledge of advanced data analysis tools and techniques
- Exposure to cross-functional project teams in a global organization
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent
- 3–5 years of experience in engineering systems or controls
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and provide technical guidance
Position Overview
As a Systems Engineer at GKN, your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and validating engineering solutions through feasibility testing and implementation
- Drafting and evaluating engineering standards and specifications
- Conducting data analysis to identify trends and support solution development
- Designing test procedures based on product specifications
- Participating in ongoing training and capability development
- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
- Collaborating cross-functionally to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
- Managing requirements traceability and verification throughout the project lifecycle
We’re looking for someone who is familiar with engineering development tools, testing protocols, and specification writing, and who brings excellent communication and collaboration skills to the table.
Our Values in Action
At GKN, we value:
- Ingenuity: Complex problem-solving, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: Building strong relationships and working toward shared goals
- Principled Leadership: Accountability, integrity, and clear communication
- Drive: Prioritizing effectively and delivering results under pressure
Ready to engineer the future of mobility? Join us and make an impact.
You should be proficient in:
- Quality Control Experience
- Quality Control Data Analysis
- Network Connectivity Experience (TCP/IP, SDWAN)