Position: Controls Engineer
Location: Automotive Plant-- Body Weld Shop- Ladson, SC
Job Type: Full Time 60% office 40% Shopfloor
Reports to: Maintenance Manager
Department: Maintenance
Position Purpose: Implements and supports planning of comprehensive controls and automation technology systems and architecture for processes and production systems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Analyzes designs, programs, simulations, and test procedures for automated machinery and processes.
- Exercises judgment in selecting existing methods and techniques for obtaining solutions on mainly routine problems.
- Ability to communicate a technical language with programmers by having a fundamental understanding of computer/PLC programming.
- Capability to problem solve using coding, programs, analytics.
- Desire to learn and develop new skills as we prepare the plant to launch the next generation electric vehicles.
- Implements and supports controls architecture with focus on process stability, system availability, as well as ease of operation and maintenance.
- May manage smaller projects in their own field of work, coordinates suppliers on and off site.
- Monitors project progress and performance against project plan.
- Participates in regularly scheduled team meetings.
- Plans and document shop equipment requirements, supports on writing specification documents and supports RfQ processes with other planning departments till awarding and beyond series production.
- Plans and introduces measures to follow/meet legal requirements for the protection of the environment.
- Prepare planning options and standards, evaluate cost-efficiency, and provide analysis of both. Take part in continuous improvement process to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
- Supports planning, engineering, and commissioning of controls equipment till final buyoffs of equipment in the shops together with suppliers and MBV production / maintenance teams.
- Tracks budget and ensures production timelines.
- Schematic drawings Ability -- Read and understand basics. Understands electrical theory.
Competencies:
- Customer Service Orientation - Satisfying customers.
- Adaptability - Willingness to deal with unexpected challenges or circumstances.
- Problem Solving - Defining problems and bring about viable solutions.
- PDCA Mindset - Plan, Do, Check, Act approach to all activities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform systems tests.
- Experience with PLCs and robotics and automation and process equipment (Preferably Siemens S7, TIA Portal)
- Strong process engineering "LEAN" skill set
- Good communication skills
- Comprehension Ability -- Understanding and application of basic, intermediate, and advanced instructions.
- Language Ability -- Communication with others to convey information in a timely and effective manner.
- Reading Ability - Cognitive ability to interact with written words or text.
- Math Ability -- Understanding and application of mathematics towards problem solving activities.
- Reasoning Ability - Ability to conduct basic, intermediate, and advanced problem solving.
- Able to troubleshoot electrical systems with, Multimeter, Megameter.
- Trouble shoot electromechanical equipment, PLC, AC/DC drive systems and robotic equipment.
- Proficient at understanding electrical schematics and ladder logic, pneumatics, and hydraulic drawings.
- Electrical drawings Ability -- Read, navigate, and understand drawings for electrical installations.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer programming, computer science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Able to perform the essential functions of the job.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the key actions of the job:
- Required to talk and/or hear in an office and industrial setting (noise level is high). Frequently required to stand and walk on concrete surfaces from 4 -12 hours. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; lift; stoop, or crouch.
- Vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception and focus adjustment
- Work is performed in an office and industrial-manufacturing environment with necessary time spent working on a computer or at a desk.