Controls Engineer
US Gestamp Chattanooga, US, US Gestamp
Controls Engineer
Role Summary
The Controls Engineer for Assembly Operations will perform a variety of engineering and technical activities in support of manufacturing automation equipment Assembly lines, including PLC logic design, logic troubleshooting and improvements, HMI development and modifications, implementation of automation systems and field instrumentation, field devices, debug & testing, process improvements. This is an opportunity to constantly learn new things and apply new ideas to drive results across multiple product lines. The ideal candidate operates with a strategic, integrated and analytical mindset
Key Responsibilities
- Design, program, and implement PLC-based control systems, ensuring project requirements are met.
- Troubleshoot and debug PLC programs for timely issue resolution and minimal downtime.
- Perform regular maintenance and updates for optimal control system performance.
- Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams, assisting in issue resolution.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automation strategies optimizing processes
- Work with engineers and technicians to seamlessly integrate control systems into overall automation solutions.
- Stay updated on PLC technology trends, proposing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Must be available to provide controls support remotely when required, including late at night or weekends.
- Assist the maintenance team troubleshooting electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems
Knowledge and Education
- Bachelor's degree required in Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, Automation, or other relevant engineering field.
- 3 to 5 years of experience in PLC programming, HMI development, field devices networking, electrical troubleshooting and industrial communication protocols.
Key Qualifications/Requirements
- Proficient in Allen-Bradley PLC programming. Proven deep knowledge of RSLogix 5000 and programming languages such as ladder, function block, instruction list. RSLinx configuration. RSLogix 500 is a plus but not required.
- Proficient with Factory Talk View Studio to create or modify HMIs.
- Proficient with TIA Portal HMI.
- Experience with Siemens Controllers. Proficient programming in Step 7 and/or TIA Portal.
- Knowledge of Fanuc robot programming, robot’s hardware and communication parametrization between robots and PLC controllers
- Proven experience troubleshooting electrical systems using electrical prints and PLC logic to diagnose I/O signals.
- Knowledge of setting up communications between PLCs, PLC to remote field devices, PLC to SCADA systems, and PLC with other Ethernet IP devices. Knowledge of DeviceNet networks and devices.
- Experience troubleshooting field instrumentation. Sensors, transducers, switches, light curtains, safety scanners, etc.
- Good understanding of Servo Motors and AC Motors. Knowledge of motor starters, VFD and servo drives.
- Ability to do Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning of Electrical, Instrumentation & Automation systems
- Ability to research and learn during troubleshooting on the production floor.
- Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical support