ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join our Sylux team. This position requires travel and the ability to initially work in Goleta, CA for 3-6 months with an eventual work location in Logansport, IN.
Major responsibilities:
- Support PLC-controlled automation systems for the FATP line to ensure all control logic conforms to Sylux PLC programming standards and is fully documented
- Program, integrate, and optimize industrial robots and collaborative robots on the FATP line including path planning, end-of-arm tooling configuration, force/torque control, and safety zone definition
- Support machine vision systems, barcode/DMC reading, and defect inspection stations on the FATP line
- Drive automation reliability and continuous improvement initiatives
- Analyzing equipment downtime logs, fault histories, and OEE data to identify root causes of automation failures and implement corrective PLC logic, recipe, or mechanical fixes.
- Optimizing robot cycle times, conveyor throughput, and station takt to sustain the takt time target across all FATP line configurations
- Identifying opportunities to enhance poka-yoke controls, error-proofing interlocks, and automated inspection coverage to reduce escaped defects in assembly and test processes.
- Troubleshoot automation components including servo drives, pneumatic actuators, safety relays, I/O modules, and sensor systems; work with equipment suppliers to ensure compliance with IEC/NFPA electrical safety requirements
- Produce and maintain comprehensive automation documentation including PLC functional descriptions, robot program libraries, electrical schematics, I/O lists, safety assessments
- Manage automation engineering workstreams across the FATP line, coordinating with Equipment Suppliers, Manufacturing Engineers, Maintenance, Quality, and IT/MES teams
- Support Technicians in troubleshooting of FATP Line
- Perform other automation engineering duties as assigned or required
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field required
- Minimum 5 years' experience in industrial automation engineering with hands-on PLC programming in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000 / Logix Designer) and/or Siemens TIA Portal (S7-1500); demonstrated experience programming and commissioning industrial or collaborative robots (ABB RobotStudio, RAPID; FANUC ROBOGUIDE, TP/Karel; or equivalent platforms)
- Proficiency in machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISO 10218-1/-2, ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robots) and industrial electrical standards (IEC 60204-1, NFPA 79, UL 508A); experience with functional safety assessment and safety-rated I/O systems (e.g., Safety PLCs, light curtains, area scanners)
- Experience with machine vision platforms (Cognex, Keyence, or similar), motion control (servo drives, linear actuators), and fieldbus/networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet); strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple automation projects to completion in a fast-paced NPI environment
TRAVEL: Travel up to 25% (domestic and international - Vietnam, California for multi-site FATP line commissioning, FAT/SAT, and ongoing automation support) Initial work location in Goleta, CA (3-6 mos. and eventually in Logansport, IN
BENEFITS AT SYLUX Inc.
- Medical, dental vision and prescription drug insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
- Excellent 401k plan with matching contributions
- Generous PTO policy
- Company paid holidays
