Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - PLC

Job Description

We seek a skilled Controls Engineer to lead automation, digital integration, and technical support in our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate excels in PLC programming, MES/ERP connectivity, robotics, Industry 4.0 technologies, and enterprise software support (SigmaNEST and SimTrans). This role requires both hands-on execution and strategic planning for digital transformation initiatives while also serving as a technical support resource for critical manufacturing systems.

Deliverables & Responsibilities

Automation & Controls:

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) for new equipment and retrofit projects.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Develop modular, scalable code structures for efficient reuse and system flexibility.
  
  

MES/ERP & Systems Integration

• Architect and implement data bridges between shop floor equipment, MES, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Plex, etc.).
• Standardize data structures and communication protocols using OPC UA, MQTT, and REST APIs.
  
  

Robotics & Motion

• Program and commission industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, Motoman) for applications including material handling, assembly, and inspection.
• Integrate robotics with safety systems, vision systems, and control architecture.
  
  

Digital Manufacturing & IIoT

• Lead deployment of IoT-enabled devices for asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics.
• Implement edge computing solutions for latency-critical operations and data reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with IT/OT teams to ensure secure, scalable industrial network architecture.
  
  

Industry 4.0 & Future Readiness:

• Champion Industry 4.0 concepts: digital twins, virtual commissioning, machine learning integration, and data lakes.
• Evaluate and implement smart sensors and intelligent devices for condition-based monitoring and self-diagnostics.
• Ensure compliance with industrial cybersecurity frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443, NIST).
  
  

SigmaNEST & SimTrans Technical Support:

• Provide first-line technical support for SigmaNEST nesting software and SimTrans integration across manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot license pool/seat issues, configuration errors, and connectivity between SigmaNEST, SimTrans, and Oracle Fusion.
• Maintain system stability by monitoring logs, diagnosing failures, and coordinating fixes with IT and vendor support teams.
• Train engineers, planners, and operators on best practices for using SigmaNEST and SimTrans to minimize downtime.
• Develop and update user documentation, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
  
  

Equipment Standards & Specification:

• Write comprehensive specification sheets, RFQs, and technical documentation to guide machine selection and standardization.
• Develop control standards and glossary documentation to ensure consistency across global operations.
  
  

Project & Commissioning:

• Manage the full lifecycle of controls projects including design, procurement, FAT, installation, commissioning, and validation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, IT, safety, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure seamless integration.
  
  

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

• Education:
• Bachelor s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum 7 years of experience in Controls/Systems Engineering and automation within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in PLC/HMI programming, particularly Rockwell, Siemens, or Beckhoff.
• Experience with MES/ERP system integration and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in robotics programming and commissioning (Fanuc, ABB, or Motoman).
• Proven capability in machine installation, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Knowledge of IIoT platforms, industrial cybersecurity, and edge computing architectures.
• Familiarity with digital twin modeling, SCADA systems, and cloud integration (AWS, Azure IoT, etc.) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a high-mix, fast-paced environment.