Controls Engineer

Job Summary

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for supporting the plants with designing, programming, implementing, and maintaining automated control systems for foam production equipment and processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include supporting plant operations with the following:

• System Design & Programming

• Design and program PLC/HMI systems for foam manufacturing equipment

• Develop and maintain ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text programs

• Create operator interface screens and SCADA systems

• Process Control & Optimization

• Monitor and optimize foam production processes including mixing, curing, and cutting operations

• Implement process control strategies for temperature, pressure, and chemical dosing systems

• Troubleshoot control system issues to minimize production downtime

• Maintenance & Support

• Provide technical support for production equipment and automation systems

• Develop and support preventive maintenance procedures for control panels, sensors, and instrumentation

• Document control system modifications and maintain as-built drawings

• Maintain archive of PLC programs throughout facility.

• Project Management

• Lead automation upgrade projects from concept to commissioning

• Coordinate with equipment vendors and contractors

• Manage project budgets and timelines

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering or equivalent

• Minimum 5 years of industry experience - automotive interiors experience preferred

• Experience installing automated equipment such as assembly lines and robot assembly cells preferred.

• Experience with seating products desired

Technical Skills:

• PLC programming and troubleshooting

• Seimens PLC experience preferred but not required

• SQL database knowledge

• HMI programming, Aveva Intouch desired

• Robot cell design and programming

• Industrial networking

• System specification, ordering, run-off, installation and qualification

• Capital equipment budget planning and tracking

• Strong computer skills with ability to quickly learn new software/applications

• Ability to generate, update and maintain machinery electrical schematics and machinery diagrams in conventional (2D) CAD software

• Analytical problem solving

• Project management - plan development and execution

• Ability to interact with IT groups, and understand network topology

• Knowledge of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus)

• Understanding of electrical codes and safety standards (NEC, NFPA 79)

Business Skills:

• Ability to effectively influence and work in cooperation with a cross functional team

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills - ability to work in a matrix organization and effectively lead without direct positional authority is required.

• Strong communication, presentation and teamwork skills including the ability to write clear, concise technical documentation.

Leadership Skills:

• Thinks Analytically - The ability to break down problems and gain understanding to make effective decisions.

• Drives for Results - The passion to set and meet high standards of performance

• Influences Others - The ability to persuade others to support your agenda / Objectives

• Drives Accountability - The ability to establish clear, measurable goals and deliver on commitments