Controls Implementation Engineer

Ford • Sterling Heights, MI

9d • $86,600 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of Ford’s Manufacturing team, the Controls Implementation Engineer supports implementation of controls solutions for powertrain manufacturing equipment, including CNC machining and related electrical systems. The role works with engineering teams, suppliers, and plant personnel to integrate, test, and troubleshoot equipment to support safe, reliable operation and successful production launches.

The position leads assembly and machining controls engineering deliverables for PTO programs, from simultaneous engineering through program launch across Global PTO sites. It applies standard software and hardware controls architectures in accordance with the PTO controls specification, captures and applies lessons learned, leads supplier controls program reviews, participates in management program reviews, and drives issue resolution across feasibility, timing, cost, and workload. The role handles current-scope program responsibilities and delivers new-model work for Powertrain programs in southeast Michigan, Ohio, or Windsor, Ontario. Travel may reach 80% during peak program times, and off-shift work may be needed during peak installation and launch periods.

The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. It is salary grade 7 or 8, with listed salary ranges of $86,600–$144,900 and $99,100–$166,200, respectively. Final grade and salary depend on the candidate’s skills and experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Preferably at least 5 years of implementation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Controls engineering experience and ability to quickly learn and apply controls knowledge.
• Electrical and pneumatic hardware design experience.
• Panel layout and design experience.
• Applied experience in Structured Control Language (SCL), including FC/FB editing and creation.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive software programming experience, preferably Siemens-based.
• Direct program experience with assembly and machining controls architectures, including hardware and software.
• Validated programming capabilities with Siemens, Schneider, and Bosch PLCs and CNC/motion control systems.
• Hands-on knowledge and ability to troubleshoot and fix PLC, CNC, robot, vision, and other automation issues.
• Skill in cell machining systems and integration of CNC controls, gantries, and auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of assembly and machining RFID systems, including complexity management and QOS strategies.
• Knowledge of international electrical and safety standards such as UL, ISO, and IEC, and familiarity with safety processes such as risk assessments, PSS, and coordinated safety.
• Ability to read and design electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic prints.
• Understanding of communication network architectures and field bus protocols.
• Extensive knowledge of PTME IT standard footprint applications, including FIS, QLSM, QWX, GPTS, QDAS, OBL, and PDS.
• Familiarity with program delivery elements from cost study through launch.
• Process engineering knowledge, including GPDS deliverables and the plant operational impact of controls designs.
• Experience interacting with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT, and plant production teams.
• Self-starter who is self-directed and has strong influencing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Robust manufacturing background with a strong emphasis on production-related controls experience.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead in technical aspects of the role.
• One or more years of experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Problem-solving experience using FMEA, DOE, DMAIC, 5D, and 8D processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly and machining controls engineering deliverables for PTO programs from simultaneous engineering through program launch for Global PTO sites.
• Implement standard software and hardware controls architectures across programs and plants in accordance with the PTO controls specification.
• Identify and capture lessons learned, apply them to new programs, and assess their impact on existing strategies and standards.
• Lead simultaneous engineering meetings with Tier I suppliers and coordinate controls program reviews with interested parties.
• Participate in management program reviews and represent the controls organization in commodity discussions.
• Drive resolution of controls issues, including feasibility, timing, cost, and workload.
• Handle current-scope program responsibilities.
• Deliver new-model program work for Powertrain programs supporting and working in southeast Michigan, Ohio, or Windsor, Ontario.
• Travel up to 80% during peak program times.
• Work off shift as needed during peak program installation and launch periods.
• Integrate, test, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment with engineering teams, suppliers, and plant personnel.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• 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.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including the period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

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