Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineer

KION Group•Summerville, SC

56d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineer to support our sophisticated manufacturing operations. This role is essential for ensuring the efficiency, precision, and safety of our production lines, with a significant focus on CNC controlled machinery! The ideal candidate will be a hands-on controls engineering expert, skilled in bridging the gap between sophisticated automation systems and day-to-day manufacturing operations support, driving continuous improvement through automation and optimized control systems!

Requirements

BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation / Mechatronic Engineering or related years of experience
Minimum of 3+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in controls engineering and automation engineering, specifically within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Strong practical experience with CNC machinery programming and operation.
In-depth knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Cloos), HMI development, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.
Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and software issues.
Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Experience with robotics and vision systems a plus.
SAP knowledge a plus
Proficiency in German is a strong asset, particularly for international collaboration or specific equipment manuals.

Responsibilities

Provide direct technical support to manufacturing lines, troubleshooting and resolving issues related to automated equipment and control systems to minimize downtime.
Lead the design, develop, implement, and maintain automation and control systems for manufacturing processes, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and CNC machines.
Program, optimize and fine-tune CNC machines, demonstrating proficiency in G-code and familiarity with control systems from manufacturers such as Siemens and Fanuc.
Develop and implement software for control systems, design electrical schematics, and specify equipment requirements for new and existing manufacturing cells.
Collaborate with production, maintenance, and other engineering teams to find opportunities for process automation and efficiency improvements.
Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and process deviations, implementing sustainable solutions.
Ensure all automated systems comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
Has a strong understanding of manufacturing drawings and GD&T, and their application in automated manufacturing.
Lead in the development and delivery of training programs for production and maintenance personnel on new, existing or updated automated systems.
Use CAD/CAM software for system design and analysis as the need arises.
Fosters a continuous improvement environment by implementing structured problem-solving methodologies and lean manufacturing principles.
Generate and maintain project status update reports.