Controls Engineer, Ford Energy
About The Position
Ford Energy, a newly formed wholly owned Ford Motor Company subsidiary, designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Controls Engineer will join the startup team launching a BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky, helping build and program automated systems for battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing. The role provides technical expertise to optimize manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced process controls, and develops data-driven solutions that support reliable production. The position will initially be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year. Domestic and international travel may be required. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering.
- Maintenance experience, including internships, and ability to optimize equipment programs and troubleshoot problems to root cause.
- Flexibility to support business needs by working across various shifts.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues and quickly identify root causes.
- Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion with limited supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively between shop-floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
- Comfort working across shifts and navigating ambiguity in a startup manufacturing environment.
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.
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.
- Computer proficiency and ability to train hourly and salaried team members.
Responsibilities
- Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery using Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
- Manage interactions between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers, configuring parameters for varying 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 rectify electrical component faults.
- Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/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 production floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where work occurs.
- Use Andon data to prioritize efforts toward 100% flow and lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
- Liaise with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
- 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 on 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 childcare.
- 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.
- Established and active 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.
- Competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
