The Controls Engineer is a key member of the ETE engineering group responsible for the hands-on design, assembly, programming, and troubleshooting of automated test systems used to validate complex hydraulic and electronic automatic transmission assemblies and subcomponents. This position requires an engineer who can work directly with hardware, including wiring, harness integration, instrumentation setup, and test system commissioning. The role spans general automation with a deep focus on dynamometer (dyno) control and high-speed data acquisition.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - PLC and HMI Programming: Develop and debug logic for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)(e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to automate assembly line testing validation.
- System Troubleshooting & Downtime Reduction: Respond to machine faults on the plant floor, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to maintain production uptime
- Vision Integration: Program and integrate industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc, ABB) and vision systems (e.g., Keyence, Cognex) for precise part placement and quality inspection.
- Error Proofing Implementation: Integrate sensors, barcode scanners, and interlocking logic to prevent assembly errors during the complex transmission build process
- Commissioning & Startup: Lead the installation, debugging, and initial runoff of new manufacturing equipment
- Electrical Design: Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics and panel layout drawings using related software.
- Team: Interface and collaborate with Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Mechanical Design Engineers, and Maintenance Technicians
The above list reflects general details necessary to describe the principle and essential function of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned to this position.
Qualifications: - Degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of professional controls engineering experience.
- Knowledge of automotive systems, testing standards, and validation processes
- Experience with data acquisition tools (NI LabVIEW, TestStand, CANalyzer, or similar)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Understand operational theory of automatic transmissions.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with transmission, powertrain, or drivetrain testing.
- Experience with testing equipment specific to automotive transmissions.
- Knowledge of hydraulic systems, electronics, and software used in modern automatic transmissions.
- Familiar with Cadence OrCAD
