Automation Controls Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Manufacturing

This role is for an Automation Controls Engineer at Ford Motor Company, focusing on managing controls deliverables for manufacturing programs from engineering through launch. The engineer will implement standard software and hardware architectures, lead meetings with suppliers, and resolve issues related to feasibility, timing, and cost. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least five years of manufacturing experience, with a preference for experience in assembly and machining controls architectures.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the assembly and machining controls engineering deliverables for Powertrain and Vehicle programs, from simultaneous engineering through program launch for all Global sites.
  2. Implement and apply standard software and hardware controls architectures across all programs/plants, following the Ford controls specifications.
  3. Ensure the identification and capture of lessons learned along with their application to new programs, as well as the impact to existing strategies and standards.
  4. Lead simultaneous engineering meetings with Tier I suppliers to orchestrate controls program reviews with all interested parties.
  5. Participate in management program reviews and represent the controls organization in commodity discussions.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Five or more years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
  • Direct program experience with assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware/software)

Nice to have

  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering
  • Experience in controls engineering with strong ability to quickly learn and apply controls knowledge.
  • Applied experience in Structured Control Language (SCL)
  • FC/FB Editing and creation
  • Extensive software programming experience - Siemens based preferred
  • Validated programming capabilities with Siemens, Schneider, Bosch, Allen Bradley PLCs and with CNC/Motion controls systems
  • Hands-on knowledge and ability to troubleshoot and fix PLC, CNC, robot, vision and other automation issues
  • Demonstrated skill in cell machining systems and integration of CNC controls, gantries and auxiliary equipment
  • Knowledge of assembly and machining RFID systems including complexity management, and QOS strategies
  • Knowledge of international electrical/safety standards (UL,cUL, CSA ISO, IEC etc) and familiarity with internal/external safety processes (risk assessments, PSS, coordinated safety etc.)
  • Able to read electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic prints and design electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic prints
  • Understanding of communication network architectures and field bus protocols
  • Extensive knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering IT standard footprint applications such as FIS, QLSM, QWX, GPTS, QDAS, OBL, PDS etc.
  • Familiarity with program delivery elements from the cost study phase to launch
  • Process engineering knowledge including Program deliverables/timing and plant operational impact of controls designs
  • Experience interacting with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT, and plant production/maintenance teams
  • Self-starter, self-directed with extremely good influential, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • Robust manufacturing background with heavy emphasis on production related controls experience
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead in the technical aspects of the role
  • One or more years of experience with MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook)
  • Experience using problem-solving skills within FMEA, DOE, DMAIC, 5D, 8D processes

What the JD emphasized

  • Direct program experience with assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware/software)