Controls Engineer

Magna International•Newaygo, MI

About The Position

What we offer: At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are. Group Summary: The Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML's expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling. POSITION SUMMARY: Conceives of, plans, designs, develops, and implements new electrical systems and/or processes. Defines scope, plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work for new and existing processes and systems. Evaluates current manufacturing system hardware/software, equipment/controls, resolves problems, and makes recommendations for improvement. Works with internal and external resources to ensure all project needs/expectations are met. Monitors and controls costs, timing, and other related aspects of projects. Oversees and directs the maintenance of all documentation related to electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic areas. Champions continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs and comply with automotive specifications. Assumes responsibility for machine safety and building equipment in respective area. Writes and edits machine control programs to interface process equipment to safely operate production equipment (i.e. program light guards) and avoid malfunctions. Performs other duties as necessary for completion of projects and achievement of departmental goals. May supervise and/or provide work direction to other staff. KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties will be performed at all levels within the progression. At level I, work is primarily routine and focused on daily workflow requirements that involve detailed engineering assignments including calculations and relatively standard tests. Guidance is provided either by instruction received on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions; or in the form of independently evaluating, selecting, and applying established and well-defined engineering techniques, procedures, policies or systems. Decisions involve limited risk to the organization. Primarily involves entry through intermediate level work. At level II, work is moderately complex and difficult in character and requires program/project management skills. Functioning as a highly competent engineer, work requires independent evaluation, selection, and adaptation of standard company procedures and translation of technical guidance from higher level personnel into data applicable to the assignment. Decisions involve moderate risk to the organization although results may have a long-lasting impact. Primarily involves intermediate through advanced level work, moving toward complete technical competency and mastery of the field. At level III, work requires independent problem solving and decision making with general direction given on project objectives and broad guidance from corporate strategy and goals. Work is complex, difficult in character and requires strong technical and broad business knowledge in addition to program/project management skills. Functioning with full competency/mastery of work area, exercises considerable latitude in determining specific project objectives and approaches to assignment. Decisions often involve substantial risk to the organization with potential for long-lasting results. Primarily involves senior/advanced level work, primarily on large projects and may supervise other staff. Elevation to this level will only occur on a selective case-by-case basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with understanding of electrical engineering practices, principles, processes, and systems; or equivalent. Previous experience in automotive industry with a background in electronic, solid state, micro processing, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment/systems strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to carry out projects from beginning to end in coordination with internal and external contacts and independently work on moderate to long-term assignments.
Must be able to operate standard and specialized equipment/tools related to the job. Ability to calculate and analyze data, generate reports, present information, etc. Programming experience with ability to interface process equipment and support applications strongly preferred.
Demonstrated strong communication skills to communicate with other functional areas both internally and externally for successful completion of projects with good interpersonal skills to influence decisions that affect assigned projects.
Demonstrated ability to analyze problems and develop appropriate solutions in order to assist in troubleshooting problems.
Demonstrated ability to research and recommend new products and processes. Must be able to look for ideas that relate to the implementation of continuous improvement processes.
Three years’ experience in electrical engineering; or equivalent. Technically current in electrical engineering as it applies to job duties and possesses specific knowledge/expertise including familiarity with electrical codes (i.e. NFPA 70).
Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills to prioritize, coordinate projects, manage conflicting needs, and deal with many issues at one time.
Demonstrated creativity and ingenuity to work on long-term assignments which are broad in nature. Must be able to work independently under little or no supervision.
Demonstrated proficiency with programming, tools, equipment, and systems related to job.
Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts and represent the Company in a professional manner when performing job duties. Must have excellent interpersonal skills to exercise influence at various levels and functions.
Eight years progressive professional level experience with technical expertise in functional area and full competency/mastery of work area; or equivalent. Thorough and complete mastery of respective field to serve as a key expert and work at the highest technical level.
Demonstrated ability to work on large projects, using a high level of originality and ingenuity. Must be able to develop long-term technical strategies/plans to meet future business needs and growth opportunities. Must be able to work independently with substantial latitude for unreviewed action or decision.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage several large and complex projects simultaneously. Must have experience with past project financial responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others through support, training, etc.
Demonstrated ability to thoroughly research, recommend, and oversee implementation of new products, materials, processes, etc. and apply this knowledge to job.

Responsibilities

Conceives of, plans, designs, develops, and implements new electrical systems and/or processes. Defines scope, plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work for new and existing processes and systems.
Evaluates current manufacturing system hardware/software, equipment/controls, resolves problems, and makes recommendations for improvement.
Works with internal and external resources to ensure all project needs/expectations are met. Monitors and controls costs, timing, and other related aspects of projects.
Oversees and directs the maintenance of all documentation related to electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic areas.
Champions continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs and comply with automotive specifications.
Assumes responsibility for machine safety and building equipment in respective area. Writes and edits machine control programs to interface process equipment to safely operate production equipment (i.e. program light guards) and avoid malfunctions. Supports related applications.
Performs other duties as necessary for completion of projects and achievement of departmental goals. May supervise and/or provide work direction to other staff.
Follows procedures pertaining to safety which includes prescribed lock out procedures when working on equipment to prevent injury
Ensure proper handling, labeling, packaging, storage, and disposal of hazardous and regulated wastes included used oil and aerosol can waste.
Assist in spill cleanup when needed.
Lead support in defining equipment standards for both new and existing equipment.
Oversees and directs the maintenance of all document related to electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic areas around production equipment.
Establishes and maintains all equipment controls and electrical systems required to support manufacturing