Controls Automation Engineer

Do you thrive on solving real production problems, improving automated systems, and seeing your work make an immediate impact on the plant floor?

We’re looking for a Controls Automation Engineer(s) to help drive performance across some of the most critical automation in our operation, including robotic paint systems, press automation, PLCs, HMIs, and supporting controls infrastructure. This is not a desk-only engineering role. It’s a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys programming, troubleshooting, optimizing processes, and partnering directly with production to keep equipment running safely, efficiently, and consistently.

If you’ve ever looked at a recurring downtime issue, inconsistent process, or underperforming automated cell and thought, “I can make this better,” this could be the role for you.

In this position, you’ll play a key role in improving uptime, stabilizing processes, supporting launches and trials, and helping move our manufacturing systems forward. You’ll work closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Engineering to solve problems, implement improvements, and make sure our automation delivers real-world results.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on high-impact automation systems that directly support production
• Get hands-on with robotics, press automation, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and process controls
• Lead meaningful improvements in uptime, quality, consistency, and efficiency
• Be part of a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your ideas can turn into action quickly
• Take ownership of projects that make a visible difference on the floor

What You’ll Do:

Drive Automation Performance

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize control systems for robotic paint applications, press automation, and related production equipment
• Program and improve PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and machine controls to support safe and reliable operation
• Create, adjust, and optimize robot paths, motion routines, and application settings for paint systems using platforms such as ABB, FANUC, or similar
• Support press automation logic, machine sequencing, interlocks, and equipment integration to improve throughput and process stability
• Assist with automated process settings, recipe control, purge routines, and other system functions tied to production performance

Solve Problems Where They Happen

• Respond to production issues involving robots, presses, controls systems, paint application, and automated equipment
• Diagnose root causes across electrical, controls, software, mechanical, and process-related issues
• Implement practical corrective actions that reduce downtime and improve reliability
• Work directly with plant-floor teams to restore performance and keep production moving

Improve Quality and Consistency

• Develop and maintain standard work, setup documentation, process parameters, and controls strategies for automated systems
• Partner with Production and Quality to improve consistency, repeatability, and overall process capability
• Support trials for new parts, materials, tooling, colors, and process changes, and document outcomes clearly
• Help reduce scrap, rework, variation, and performance losses through smarter automation and stronger process control

Lead Continuous Improvement

• Identify and drive projects that improve uptime, throughput, material usage, and process stability
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance efforts tied to controls and automation systems
• Recommend and help implement controls upgrades, programming improvements, and system enhancements
• Contribute to operational excellence initiatives such as 5S/6S, PM/AM, and process standardization

Collaborate Across the Operation

• Work closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Engineering to troubleshoot issues and plan improvements
• Help coordinate downtime activities, upgrades, and automation-related projects
• Train operators and technicians on basic equipment operation, alarm response, and best practices
• Serve as a technical resource and go-to problem solver for automation-related challenges

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Controls, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• or equivalent hands-on experience in an automated manufacturing environment
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and industrial controls systems
• Experience with industrial robots such as ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, or similar platforms
• Strong troubleshooting ability in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and process documentation
• Hands-on, plant-floor mindset with the ability to move between technical problem-solving and practical execution
• Experience with paint systems, coatings, press automation, machine integration, vision systems, industrial networks, or data collection systems is a strong plus
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k), generous PTO and paid holiday policies
• A hands-on environment where your work has immediate visibility and impact
• Opportunities to lead automation and process-improvement projects
• Professional growth in controls, robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing