Controls Engineer, Ford Energy

Ford Motor • Glendale, KY

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Ford Energy, a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems. The Controls Engineer will help launch a BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky, building and programming automated systems for battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing. The role provides technical expertise in automation, visual systems, and process control, and serves as a technical expert for automation reliability in a startup manufacturing environment.

The position initially will be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year. Flexibility to support business needs across various shifts is required, and domestic or international travel may be required. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Maintenance experience, including internships, with the ability to optimize equipment programs and troubleshoot issues to root cause.
• Flexibility to support business needs by working across various shifts.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Computer efficiency and excellent communication skills, including the ability to train hourly and salaried team members.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

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 using Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
• Manage interactions among 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.
• Support feasibility assessments for product design changes and lead automation modifications, model code updates, and program backups.
• Regularly engage on the production floor to monitor automation health, hear technician concerns, and solve problems where work happens.
• Use Andon data to prioritize work toward 100% flow and 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 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 the site develops battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
• Support new model and equipment launches as required.
• Report key metrics for automation performance and equipment reliability.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses.
• Ford vehicle discounts.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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