Controls Engineer - Body

Slate Auto•Warsaw, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Slate is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer – Body to support the launch and ongoing operation of automated manufacturing systems at its Warsaw Assembly Plant. This hands-on role focuses on Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning. The engineer works with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, IT, and equipment integrators to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation and improve production performance. The role requires working on the production floor more than 50% of the time and willingness to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana. Relocation assistance is provided. The engineer resolves controls, automation, and equipment issues in the Body Department; develops and optimizes PLC, HMI, and equipment control systems; and supports automated equipment, tooling, conveyors, and material handling. The position also contributes to equipment design reviews, commissioning, validation builds, launches, model-year changes, safety validation, quality controls, documentation, and root cause analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electronics, Controls, Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering.
At least 6 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing controls and automation.
Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning Allen-Bradley PLCs and safety controllers using Studio 5000, and HMIs using FactoryTalk View.
Proficiency in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, GuardLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
Experience integrating robots, welding systems, conveyors, and inspection equipment.
Experience supporting equipment commissioning, production launches, and modifications with suppliers and integrators.
Strong understanding of equipment sequencing, fault diagnostics, recovery, cycle time optimization, and OEE.
Working knowledge of EtherNet/IP networks and industrial device integration.
Understanding of machine safety, safety interlocks, and safe equipment operation.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
Working knowledge of robot interfaces, MES integration, and production traceability.
Strong root cause analysis, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and lead technical discussions.
Ability to work on the production floor more than 50% of the time.
Willingness to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana.

Nice To Haves

Technical training in PLCs, robotics, industrial networks, or machine safety.
Manufacturing controls and automation experience in automotive Body manufacturing.
Siemens PLC/HMI experience.

Responsibilities

Resolve controls, automation, and equipment issues affecting the Body Department.
Develop and optimize PLC, HMI, and equipment control systems to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and reliability.
Support automated equipment, tooling, conveyors, and material handling through control logic and system integration.
Review control sequences and equipment risks; analyze process data and implement improvements.
Support equipment design reviews, commissioning, validation builds, launch activities, and model-year changes.
Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and equipment integrators to resolve controls issues and improve equipment performance.
Coordinate control system integration, equipment modifications, and model change-over activities.
Work with EHS and Engineering to validate safety circuits, interlocks, and equipment operating modes.
Partner with IT on industrial networks, production data collection, and MES integration.
Follow Engineering standards and change management requirements.
Implement and maintain process interlocks, error-proofing, parameter monitoring, and traceability.
Monitor process indicators and address controls-related deviations to prevent defects.
Support integration and validation of automated inspection and process control systems.
Analyze equipment data and recurring faults to support root cause analysis and performance improvements.
Maintain program backups, electrical schematics, network documentation, and equipment recovery procedures.
Document and validate control system changes.
Support additional controls and automation responsibilities as needed.