Controls Engineer

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

Controls Engineer for Battery Manufacturing at Ford, focusing on automation, robotics (Fanuc), and industrial vision systems to optimize production lines for next-generation battery technologies. Requires strong PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell) and troubleshooting skills.

What you'd actually do

  1. Deliver new model program work for various Powertrain, Battery and Final Assembly programs supporting and working in either SE MI, Ohio or Windsor, ONT.
  2. Travel up to 80% during peak program times.
  3. Work off shift, as the need arises, during peak program install and launch times.
  4. Lead the assembly and machining controls engineering deliverables for PTO, FAE and BME programs, from simultaneous engineering through program launch for all Global Manufacturing sites.
  5. Implement and apply standard software and hardware controls architectures across all programs/plants, following the PTO and GVOSS controls specification.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Industrial preferred) or Computer Science
  • 5+ years' experience in Controls Engineering
  • Applied experience in Structured Control Language (SCL)
  • FC/FB Editing and creation
  • Extensive software programming experience - Siemens and Rockwell based preferred
  • Direct program experience with assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware/software)
  • Validated programming capabilities with Siemens, Schneider, Rockwell, Bosch 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, 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 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 GPDS deliverables and plant operational impact of controls designs
  • Experience interacting with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT, and plant production 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

Nice to have

  • Experience with Fanuc robotics
  • Experience with industrial vision systems

What the JD emphasized

  • 5+ years' experience in Controls Engineering