Engineering Specialist- Controls

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Specialist, Controls supports Ford’s manufacturing operations by leading problem solving for plants and implementation teams to resolve tooling, equipment, and conveyor performance issues and downtime. The role involves coordinating resources to identify root causes, break problems into verifiable items, and determine appropriate validation methods.

The position works with industrial bar-code printers, vision control systems, automation, machinery, material-handling equipment, and robots. It also supports equipment improvement, project installation follow-up, program changes and backups, equipment safety reviews, and training for manufacturing personnel and plant electricians. The specialist maintains controls-network PCs and communications software, and works overtime and weekends as needed.

Ford describes a range of employee benefits, including health coverage, family-care programs, vehicle discounts, tuition assistance, paid holidays, and paid time off. The position is grade 6–8, with a stated salary range of $72,480–$162,120. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of Controls Engineering experience; internship and co-op experience will be considered.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Keyence or Cognex camera programming experience.
• Promess press experience.
• Electrical background as an electrician or technician.
• Familiarity with PLC/CNC systems (Siemens/Allen-Bradley), VFDs, servos, Profinet, and ABB and FANUC robots.
• Solid understanding of laser burning.
• Ability to read blueprints, modify electrical schematics, and use AutoCAD.
• Validated ability to troubleshoot equipment and continuously evaluate processes for improvement.
• Experience with conveyor-system programming and overhead gantry systems.
• Solid understanding of networking, including DH+, Ethernet, and remote I/O.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with Lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Understanding of 8D, FMEA, and DMAIC processes.
• Familiarity with TQM and Kaizen methods.
• At least 1 year of experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of simulation modeling and visual factory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead problem solving to help plants and implementation teams resolve tooling, equipment, and conveyor performance issues and downtime.
• Coordinate resources to identify root causes, break problems into items that can be validated, and determine appropriate validation methods.
• Set up and maintain industrial bar-code printers.
• Design and implement vision control systems using knowledge of vision cameras and their programming software.
• Continuously evaluate equipment for quality and delivery improvements.
• Use FIS plant monitoring software to review equipment cycle times and follow up on project installations.
• Reprogram equipment for engineering changes and improvements, and update program backups for machinery and automation.
• Program new installations of automation, machinery, material handling, and robots.
• Review risk assessments and evaluate equipment safety as part of a team.
• Assist in training manufacturing personnel and plant electricians.
• Read and modify electrical prints and schematics using AutoCAD.
• Maintain familiarity with OA, CPN/MPN networks, and communications protocols for wired and wireless connections.
• Manage installation and maintenance of virus-protection software for controls-network PCs; perform PC backup disc images and install communications, firmware, and controls software.
• Work overtime and weekends as needed.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new-parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• 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
• Education Level: High school or GED