Engineering Specialist, Controls

Ford Ford · Auto · Sterling Heights, MI +1 · Manufacturing

This role is for an Engineering Specialist in Controls at Ford, focusing on improving and troubleshooting control systems and equipment in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include using Factory Information Systems (FIS) data, leading problem-solving for equipment performance, coordinating resources for root cause analysis, assisting with training, and integrating controls into IT systems. The role requires experience with PLC logic (Siemens, Modicon), assembly and machining controls, and troubleshooting machinery, robots, and automation issues. Knowledge of vision systems and robot programming (ABB/FANUC) is also mentioned.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and implement improvements to control systems and equipment using Factory Information Systems (FIS) data.
  2. Lead problem solving in resolving equipment performance issues.
  3. Lead trouble shooting; coordinate resources to find root cause and fixes, manage and breakdown problems into items that can be validated.
  4. Assist in the training of manufacturing personnel and plant electricians.
  5. Assist in integration of controls into IT systems like Factory Information Systems (FIS), Error Proofing, QWX, and QTS.

Skills

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 3 year or more of Controls Engineering experience in manufacturing environment
  • 3 years or more experience with PLC logic, controls, Siemens and Modicon programming
  • Direct program experience with assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware/software)
  • Knowledge of programming principals on Siemens, Schneider, Bosch PLC along with CNC/Motion controls systems
  • Knowledge and ability to troubleshoot PLC, CNC, robot, and other automation issues
  • Ability to read Controls (electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic) prints

Nice to have

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechanical, Controls or Automation Engineering
  • Electrical background (electrician or technician) preferred
  • Interest in controls engineering with strong aptitude to quickly learn and apply controls knowledge
  • Solid understanding of laser burning
  • Knowledge of international electrical/safety standards (UL, ISO, IEC etc) and familiarity with internal/external safety processes (risk assessments, PSS, integrated safety etc)
  • Understanding of communication network architectures and field bus protocols
  • Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience
  • Lean Tools – 5S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping experience
  • Understanding of 8D, FMEA, and DMAIC processes
  • Familiar with TQM and Kaizen methods
  • One or more years of experience with MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook)
  • Knowledge of cell machining systems and integration of CNC controls, gantries and auxiliary equipment
  • Knowledge of ABB/FANUC robot
  • Knowledge of assembly and machining RFID systems including complexity management, and QOS strategies
  • Knowledge of Vision Systems

What the JD emphasized

  • Controls Engineering experience in manufacturing environment
  • PLC logic, controls, Siemens and Modicon programming
  • assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware/software)
  • troubleshoot PLC, CNC, robot, and other automation issues
  • Vision Systems