The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting automated control systems used in manufacturing and production operations. This role combines expertise in automation technologies, electrical systems, and software programming to optimize machine performance, ensure process reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The Controls Engineer plays a key role in integrating PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives, while ensuring systems comply with safety and quality standards.

• Ensure that designs meet or exceed the requirements of safety and any applicable industry and/or Porex standards.
• Conduct audits and review process to ensure robot cells meet current safety standards.
• Design system structures, automation units and automated robotic cell layouts to continuously improve OEE.
• Troubleshoot and maintain current automation systems work with/support others to create and implement PM schedules to maximize run time and reduce/eliminate unplanned down time.
• Works with and trains groups in production, engineering, tooling, and other operational groups to ensure work adheres to design.
• Lead automation and process improvement projects as needed.
• Supports preparation, installation, and maintenance of current and future automation projects.
• Keep abreast of new technological developments, both in hardware and software, or competitive environment that would affect the design, coding or testing process.
• Where appropriate, select and supervise external contractors and consultants to ensure they meet the requirements for function, cost, timing and quality.
• Perform functions as required by established engineering procedures, including project requests through engineering release and change management procedures.
• Work with engineers, technicians, and internal teams to develop tests that simulate the requirements of the customer. Evaluate test data and revise programs to solve identified problems.
• Create and release software packages and software documentation for prototypes and production.
• Use modern software engineering techniques to develop modular or object-oriented software that meets the product requirements. Document code so that it is easily understood and maintained by others. Code may be developed via auto-coding directly from models.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, or similar related discipline - or certified in applicable
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience with automation, controls, and/or robotics
  • Manufacturing experience required. Preferably plastics manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in design for manufacturing process, cost effectiveness, and time reduction.

Skills

• Must work well in teams and independently.
• Working knowledge of 3D and 2D modeling software (Solidworks, Acad Lt), MS Office, and machine design. Allen Bradley, Trend X, visuals on scree, AB equipment and network interface hardware/software.
• Universal Robotics programming and troubleshooting a must. e-series preferred.
• Rockwell controls experience preferred (Compactlogix, Micrologix, SLC, Studio 5000)
• FCR-T1/T1 certification is plus
• Integration between Rockwell & UR a plus
• Experience with Keyence vision systems a plus
• Working knowledge of electrical panel layout and components a plus