Controls Engineer, Ford Energy

Ford Motor • Glendale, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable, US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid. At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle discounts, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands. As a Controls Engineer, you will be on the ground floor launching a state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. As a key member of our start-up team, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and program the automated systems that bring next-generation energy storage products to the grid. In this critical role, you will: Optimize with Precision: Provide technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced levels of process control. Innovate: Apply an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver data-driven controls solutions for battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing lines. Drive Excellence: Be the go-to technical expert for automation reliability, ensuring the facility operates with the precision required to deliver world-class energy products.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required
• 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
• Domestic and international travel may be required
• Computer efficiency; excellent communicator able to train hourly and salary team members

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering
• 5+ 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 utilizing Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
• Manage the interaction between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers; configure parameters appropriately for varying production loads.
• Support and troubleshoot robotic systems (such as Fanuc), including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Lead fault analysis and root cause identification for complex automation issues to prevent recurrence; identify and rectify electrical component faults.
• Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor/train technicians to enhance the team's overall competence.
• Support feasibility on product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and program backups for automation.
• Embrace the Gemba philosophy: Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where the work happens.
• Use Andon data to prioritize efforts to achieve 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Act as a liaison with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
• Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System (FPS) and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.
• Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site builds out battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
• Support new model and equipment launches as required.
• Report out on key metrics around 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, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level