Manufacturing Network and Controls Engineer
About The Position
Sandalwood Engineering & Ergonomics is seeking a Manufacturing Network and Controls Engineer to support an automotive manufacturing client. The role focuses on the upfront design, development, and validation of new automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems before their deployment in production environments. The engineer will bridge controls engineering and industrial networking, collaborating with the client’s R&D engineers and internal technical teams to prototype, document, and validate architectures connecting automation hardware, PLCs, edge devices, and network infrastructure. The position involves designing and testing manufacturing and controls private networks, configuring networking hardware, supporting edge computing and device management solutions, and helping define industrial networking standards and cybersecurity considerations. It also includes light programming or scripting, documenting test results, and providing technical recommendations to internal and client stakeholders.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, ideally in an R&D, pilot plant, or advanced manufacturing development environment.
- Background in controls engineering or industrial networking (IIoT); experience with both is highly valued.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and/or Codesys PLC and control systems.
- Working knowledge of Cisco and Siemens networking hardware, configuration, and industrial communication principles.
- Fundamental understanding of network topology design, segmentation, VLANs, and device-level networking in industrial environments.
- Familiarity with edge computing, data gateways, and OT-to-IT integration concepts.
- Light programming or scripting skills, such as ladder logic, structured text, or Python.
- Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills for cross-functional and client-facing collaboration.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, MQTT, or OPC UA protocols.
- Understanding of industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443.
- Exposure to virtualization, digital twin, or simulation environments.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the client’s R&D and engineering teams to design and prototype Manufacturing Private Networks (MPNs) and Controls Private Networks (CPNs) for new automation concepts.
- Develop and test controls and communication architectures using Rockwell, Siemens, and Codesys technologies.
- Configure and evaluate Siemens and Cisco networking hardware for plant-floor communication and edge connectivity.
- Contribute to the design and validation of edge computing and device management solutions for IIoT applications.
- Prototype and document network topologies and data flows between PLCs, edge devices, and enterprise systems.
- Support the definition of industrial networking standards, best practices, and cybersecurity considerations for future deployments.
- Perform light programming or scripting for automation tasks, testing, and proof-of-concept development.
- Provide documentation, testing feedback, and technical recommendations to internal and client stakeholders.
Benefits
- Health care plan (medical, dental, and vision).
- Retirement plan (401k).
- Life insurance (basic, voluntary, and AD&D).
- Paid time off (vacation and sick).
- Paid holidays.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- Training and development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
