Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineer

NEAPCO Holdings LLC•Watertown, CT

About The Position

This position will provide a combination of manufacturing engineering and electrical controls engineering services for new production equipment and all aspects of manufacturing to ensure that world-class products are available to our customers. This person will work independently with minimal supervision for most of the activities with a strong reliance on experience and good organizational skills. This person will act as a specialist and work with all levels of the organization. This position exists to improve efficiency, fix programming and mechanical related issues in a timely manner to reduce/ eliminate the equipment downtime. Their work affects equipment, employees, work environment and process standards and specifications.

Requirements

BS Electrical, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
Minimum of three years related to manufacturing experience in electrical, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or related field
Experience in manufacturing, quality, safety and management is essential.
Experience with Controls Systems including:
Allen Bradley PLCs, Kinetix Motion Controls (Studio 5000 programming software), and HMIs (FactoryTalk Studio)
GE PLCs (Proficy Machine Edition software)
Siemens PLCs
Robotics
Knowledge of ladder logic programming
SQL, Database structure, Data collection systems.
Diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
Organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and self-initiate when necessary.
Knowledge of tool design, gage design, and fixture design.
Computer skills include demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft office.
Working knowledge of plant/facilities engineering, electronics, pneumatics and engineering controls.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational skills, and collaborative team player.
Broad-base knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, including 5s, Kaizen, Kanban, Poke-a-Yoke, Process Mapping & Value Stream Mapping, other tools & Techniques
Strong analytical & problem-Solving Skills (Experience of proven techniques a plus ie. Shainin, DOE, 6 Sigma, 8D, 5 Why, etc.)
Continuous Improvement mindset with ability to lead and influence others.
Mechatronics experience and interests
Able to lift up to 35 pounds.
Ability and Willingness to travel internationally
Able to work in staggered or 2nd shift when necessary
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States/unable to provide visa sponsorship currently

Nice To Haves

Python, Visual Basic (VBA), Ignition!, IIOT, I4.0 are a plus
Experience with Controls Systems including:
DirectLogic PLCs (DirectSoft programming software) knowledge is a plus
FANUC, ABB, and UR Robotics is a plus
Cognex vision systems is a plus
Equipment development, tooling design, gage design, CAD (NX, AutoCAD) is a strong plus
ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 experience is a strong plus.
Knowledge of Automotive AIAG Core tools (FMEA, Control Plan, PPAP, MSA, SPC) is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Assist new products team with determining requirements and cost estimates for machines that are built in-house and by outside suppliers. Ensure compliance of the GSS, Watertown machine specification for new acquisitions and retrofits.
Designs, develops, tests, sources, cost justifies, and installs various tools, devices, modifications, fixturing, machinery and equipment for production to increase safety, throughput, quality, capacity, and reliability. Manage the completion of those projects from conception through evaluation, justification, purchase, and implementation.
Lead projects, create timing plans, design control systems, create schematics, order components, write programs, debug machines and provide support after launch.
Coordinate with all levels of the organization to meet project timing and budget
Integrate vision inspection, process monitoring, servo control, mechanical inspections, and other devices or processes into new and existing equipment.
Champion innovative techniques to improve manufacturing processes.
Develop, debug, and validate control systems including electrical, PLC, hydraulic, pneumatic, servo, HMI’s, etc.
Generate and implement standards and best practices – Logic, machine design, process, etc.
Ensure that logic systems documentation is complete, up to date, stored in file structure, and available at all times.
Provide general supervision to outside contractors (electrical, mechanical, PLC programming, etc.) to resolve material and/or equipment problems, research and implement upgrades, new tools and operating procedures.
Work with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance and QA department to improve processes and troubleshoot equipment repair and maintenance. Support diverse portfolio of processes and controls hardware.
Ensure proper training and guidance is provided to GSS Production team.
Apply Lean Mfg. / Toyota production system principles, IATF 16949, FMEA and Control plan concepts in controls engineering initiatives and tasks.
Review existing logic programs to ensure safety of all associates and the processes are efficient & error proofed.
Work closely with the Safety Team to ensure electrical controls and processes meet ergonomic and other safety standards.
Champion continuous improvement projects to enhance safety, productivity, quality, reliability, capacity and processes. Project manage & coordinate implementation of continuous improvement actions.
Ensures manufacturing practices are current, consistent, and compliant with GSS Policies and Procedures, all external state/federal regulations and customer requirements.
Demonstrate a leadership mindset holding themselves and their team to high standards to ensure timely and successful project execution. Encourage working cross functionally and collaboratively.