Controls Engineer

Summary/Objective: The Controls Engineer will develop and implement control systems solutions for advanced manufacturing equipment for continuous cable manufacturing processes.  Controls projects include development of new systems and update or optimization of existing.

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:

• Develop reliable and robust control system designs and platforms for common controls functions.
• Work with manufacturing and process engineering to develop system functional requirements.
• Specify electrical, mechanical, thermal, and pneumatic control components including motors, drives, actuators, sensors, motion control components, etc. from defined functional requirements.
• Create and modify electrical schematic drawings using EPLAN.
• Control systems software design and development including.
• Programming PLCs (Panasonic), HMI / SCADAs (Ignition), tuning of Motion Controllers, operator interfaces, and servo drives.
• Startup, debug controls, conditioning, and qualification of newly built or upgraded automated machines and manufacturing lines.
• Project management for new equipment development and upgrades to existing, etc.
• Troubleshooting of automated machinery.
• Download and debug various controller software programs.
• Tuning motion systems, master/following systems, and temperature control systems.
• Develop strategies and plans to standardize common controls system functions, architecture, and components.
• Develop strategies for control system software standardization.
• Revision of existing PLC and HMI software to support equipment upgrades.

“The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities”

Required Experience:

• 3 – 5 years of direct experience as a controls engineer working on automated processes, equipment and system integration in a manufacturing environment.
• Operational knowledge of servo motors, stepper motors, motion controllers, temperature controllers, pneumatic controls, control relays, sensors, operator interfaces, etc.
• Motion Controller programming experience.
• Operator Interface programming experience (Red Lion preferred).
• PLC programming experience (Panasonic preferred).
• Knowledge of PID loop control and tuning.
• Solid understanding of industrial control panel design and fabrication (UL508A).
• Experience reading and developing electrical schematics for internal and external builds.
• Resource management for project execution.
• Ability to read and write in IEC 61131-3 programming language.
• Experience creating and designing automation controls systems (PLC, SCADA).
• Experience with communications protocols including MODBUS TCP, Modbus Serial and EtherCAT.
• Understanding of engineering documentation such as setup and adjustment procedures, calibration, software documentation, operating instructions, and maintenance procedures.
• Familiarity with machine safety applications, electrical power distribution and control panel design.
• Understanding of Safety standards including NEMA, NFPA 79, UL508A, ANSI B11.0: 2010.
• Proficient with written and verbal technical communication including generating reports and conducting group presentations.

Preferred Education:

• BSEE, BSEET, or Software Engineering Degree, or equivalent.