Controls Engineer, Ford Energy

Ford•Glendale, KY

18h•$65,100 - $166,200•Onsite

About The Position

Ford Energy, a wholly owned Ford Motor Company subsidiary focused on battery energy storage systems (BESS), is hiring a Controls Engineer for its new manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. The engineer will help launch the facility and build, program, optimize, and support automated systems used in battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing. The role focuses on automation performance, controls reliability, equipment launches, and cross-functional problem solving in a startup manufacturing environment. The position will initially be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering.
Maintenance experience, including internships, with the ability to optimize equipment programs and troubleshoot to root cause.
Flexibility to support business needs by working across various shifts.
Ability to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues and identify root causes quickly.
Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion with limited supervision.
Strong communication skills to work between shop-floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
Ability to work across shifts and navigate an ambiguous startup manufacturing environment.
Computer efficiency and ability to train hourly and salaried team members.
Domestic and international travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering.
5 or more years of relevant Controls Engineering experience.
Familiarity with data collection, AI/ML, IIoT, and digital twins.
Prior experience with Fanuc, ABB, or Universal robots.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and FMEAs.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, C, and RSLOGIX.

Responsibilities

Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery using Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
Manage interactions among servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers, and configure parameters for different production loads.
Support and troubleshoot robotic systems, including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
Lead fault analysis and root-cause identification for complex automation issues, prevent recurrence, and identify and correct electrical component faults.
Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical and controls systems, and mentor and train technicians.
Assess feasibility of product design changes and lead automation modifications, model code updates, and program backups.
Regularly engage on the manufacturing floor to monitor automation health, hear technician concerns, and solve problems where work takes place.
Use Andon data to prioritize work and support 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
Liaise with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering on efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
Demonstrate leadership and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ensure adherence to Ford Production System and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.
Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as battery cell and BESS assembly capacity is developed.
Support new model and equipment launches as required.
Report key metrics related to automation performance and equipment reliability.

Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
Tuition assistance.
Employee resource groups.
Paid time off for individual and team community service.
Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
Performance-based bonuses.